News

Statement by Open Buffalo Youth Action:

For the past 60 plus years, the people of Palestine have been fighting for their rights, their land and for their humanity against an appointed power that bullied their way into the majority. Decimating men, women, and children without a blink of an eye because they can.

Youth Action Member Zanaya Hussain said this week, "Within just 11 days of Israeli bombardments, nearly 250 Palestinians, including 64 children, have died with more than 1,900 left injured. In Israel only 12 have died, including 2 children. (Al Jazeera, 2021). This is not a conflict. This is not Israel defending itself. This is not war. This is genocide; colonial terrorism; apartheid. Oppression is never a fair fight, so let us give Palestine what they need: the support of the people."

At what point do you realize the monstrosities that are being endured by Palestine? At what point do we demand they receive more help? At what point do we recognize Palestinian families’ disadvantage? As a community of color, have we forgotten what it feels like to be them? 

“The Palestine situation is one of dire straits and mirrors the oppression that we African Americans face here in America. We stand with those suffering under oppression,” said Youth Action Executive member Jordan Jackson.

Black Americans have been overcoming blatant and subtle racism and oppression for centuries. Even with video evidence, the system still fails us. But does this mean we cannot stand up for Palestine and showcase the similarities of situations being faced across the ocean and in the communities we call home? If anything is to come from all of these tragedies, it should be that all people of color have an unconditional understanding and support for all people of color, especially when it comes to facing an oppressive force. 

Selena Bullock, Vice President of Youth Action, exclaimed, “With everything happening in Palestine, it just shows the true neglect that Americans have for any situation that doesn’t involve them directly. The Black Lives Matter movement last summer went worldwide, and there was so much support from different allies. That same exact support should be shown to Palestine, as they are literally suffering without enough resources, while being battered and bruised, all for land. I can only imagine the suffering they are going through and the media giving out misinformation, which should make people just as mad when the public was being misinformed about the Black Lives Matter movement.”

Where are all the people who are still protesting to defund the police and police brutality? Where are all the people who are still fighting for their pride and identification to be respected? Where are all the people proving they are citizens who belong in this country? Where are all the people who are silent when the conflict is across seas and not in their own back yard? Stand for Palestine, like they stood for us. 

Below is a link of products to boycott as they support Israel’s acts of terror. Do your part to help end these inhumane acts. 
https://bdsmovement.net/get-involved/what-to-boycott 
https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/ethicalcampaigns/boycotts/israel-boycott