I Stand With Palestine
Let me start this article with what is most important: I stand in unequivocal solidarity with the people of Palestine as they face an increasingly clear effort at genocide by the state of Israel. The immense suffering and injustice that Palestinians face under what I recognize as an apartheid state cannot be ignored. This is not a conflict of equals but a situation where the state of Israel holds overwhelming power and systematically oppresses the Palestinian population. The Palestinian people deserve the freedom and self-determination to which every human should have access.
Resistance Rooted in Queerness
Despite many detractors arguing that queer people shouldn’t support a people that they claim would kill me if they had a chance, my solidarity with Palestine is actually deeply rooted in my queerness. As part of a community that has long experienced the pain of marginalization and oppression, I understand the critical importance of standing with other oppressed groups. Among the Palestinians who have been killed and those who continue to endure, there are queer individuals whose voices and experiences are often erased. My commitment to intersectional justice, which includes the acknowledgment and support of queer Palestinians, compels me to act against injustice wherever it occurs.
Condemning Genocide
I condemn the active efforts towards genocide against the Palestinian people. I join multiple interfaith voices, including hundreds of Rabbis and thousands of Jews who have been advocating “no genocide in our name,” including those who are part of Canada’s Independent Jewish Voices. I stand in solidarity with all our Jewish siblings who have also spoken out in solidarity with the Palestinian people to advocate for a permanent ceasefire and protections for all lives.
Rabbi Dr. Nachshon Siritsky, founder of Unama’ki Independent Jewish Voices and member of Rabbis for Ceasefire, stated:
“As a queer Rabbi and second-generation Holocaust survivor who is committed to decolonizing themselves and to Truth and Reconciliation here and abroad, I reject the colonial idea that there is an ‘us vs them’. There is only one side in any war that any person of faith can authentically affirm, and that is the side of Life. I stand on the side of Life and pray for a ceasefire that can lead to restorative justice and healing for the deep and terrifying intergenerational trauma that is manifest in the decisions of the Israeli government. October 7th’s brutal attack by Hamas included significant acts of sexual and gender-based violence. It is especially important for queer and affirming voices to speak out against the ways that both gender and sexuality have been colonial weapons of war for centuries. The genocide against Palestinians must stop and a comprehensive commitment to healing on every level must begin. Truth and Reconciliation is needed not only on Turtle Island but around the world including the deeply colonized Middle East. The reenactment of historical trauma that is being perpetrated by Israel, America and its many allies ought to terrify every person of faith that believes in peace. We are all related.”
The Dangers of Misusing “Antisemitism”
As a Christian, I recognize that Christianity has a long and terrible history of hate towards Jewish people, so I say all of this as one culpable and accountable. Christianity also has a unique responsibility for the intergenerational trauma that befell the Jewish people and we recommit ourselves to work for intersectional and intergenerational healing, even as we unequivocally condemn the actions of the Israeli government. I do so in alignment with the many Jewish voices that reject the idea that criticizing the state of Israel is equivalent to “Antisemitism”.
There is no question that hate towards Jewish people is a persistent and horrific evil that is responsible for the suffering and death of countless victims. Our condemnation of that hate is as unequivocal as our condemnation of hate towards the Palestinian people, as well as Muslims. Part of this resistance to antisemitism is to call out when that term is being exploited to justify oppression and violence, which ultimately puts Jewish people around the world at greater risk.
As Rabbi Alissa Wise, former co-executive director of Jewish Voice for Peace, stated:
“There has been an effort over the past number of years to conflate critique of Israel with antisemitism. This is a deliberate strategy by those who seek to shield Israel from accountability… There is nothing inherent in critiquing the Israeli state as antisemitic.”
I echo these sentiments and stress that calling out the actions of the Israeli government is an act of justice and solidarity, not of hate. Weaponizing the term “antisemitism” to silence legitimate criticism of the Israeli government’s policies undermines the real fight against anti-Jewish hate. This harmful conflation distracts from the genuine and ongoing issue of antisemitism around the world and erodes the integrity of human rights advocacy.
We must ensure that hate towards the Jewish people is recognized and combated in all its forms, refusing to let this legitimate evil be utilized to further perpetuate harm on innocent people. Thus, we stand firmly against all forms of oppression, including the systemic injustices faced by Palestinians.
Practical Calls to Action
I believe that “never again” means never again for anyone. The lessons of history teach us that the suffering of one group does not justify the oppression of another. We grieve the death of innocents and stand with all who seek peace, justice, and the end of oppression.
Thus, we must all act with immediacy and persistence:
- Contact Your Government Officials: Urge them to take a stand for human rights and justice in Palestine. Advocate for policies that hold the Israeli government accountable for its actions.
- Amplify Palestinian Voices: Share stories, articles, and media created by Palestinians. Use your platform to elevate the voices and perspectives of those directly impacted by the conflict.
- Donate to Causes Supporting Palestinians: Consider supporting organizations like Operation Olive Branch, which provide essential aid and support to Palestinian communities. Also show practical support and advocacy for the non-violent university protests in your community and around the world.
- Educate and Engage: Stay informed about the history and the current realities on the ground in Palestine and educate others. Participate in discussions, panels, and events that raise awareness about the situation.
I commit to amplifying marginalized voices and perspectives within our 2SLGBTQIA+ community, including those from Palestine, and all oppressed people. I stand firm in my commitment to foster understanding, affirmation, and peace. Join me as I stand for human rights, dignity, and the flourishing of all people.
Jamie Arpin-Ricci is a bisexual author, award-winning activist, and the Co-Director of Peace & Justice Initiatives and Founder of The Rainbow Well. He is also pastoral leader at Little Flowers Community, a Mennonite church in Winnipeg, MB, where he has served a largely 2SLGBTQIA+ congregation for almost 15 years. Arpin-Ricci has provided community and support to countless 2SLGBTQIA+ people around the world for years.