Today marks one week since the Global Sumud Flotilla set sail from Barcelona. It was an intense and deeply moving weekend — for many reasons.
Over the past few days, I have reflected on why the organising members of the GSF and other activists felt so familiar to me, as if I had known them all my life. With some, I exchanged a few words; with others, only a glance. Although I had no press credentials, I managed to stand inside the area reserved for journalists, very close to the speakers. I observed them — and so did my camera. While listening to them, I also watched them as a whole, and everything fit together: their speeches, their words full of meaning and commitment, the energy they conveyed. A natural atmosphere was created, filled with positive energy. People gathered in an orderly and respectful way, but also with a strong presence, supporting the speakers with silence when it was needed, and with chants for a free Palestine that filled the longer pauses.
I felt inside a space where there was no room for doubt. The energy danced between the sea-scented air we breathed and the words that accompanied each moment. A true aroma of freedom.
All the unease and discomfort I had carried — asking myself why most friends, acquaintances, and family had not uttered a single word about the gravest event of the 21st century — faded for a few hours. I felt the warmth of people who echoed my thoughts and concerns, shared for far too long. It comforted me to see that there are those who walk a few steps ahead, dedicating their lives not only to exposing a genocide that continues to escalate, but also to denouncing the alarming loss of humanity in our societies. People with solid values, capable of joining forces with like-minded souls and working together for a better world.
I would like to embrace all the organisers, activists, and participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla. They broke the ice with courage, rigor, and resilience. They opened paths so that we do not feel alone when denouncing the injustices around us. They created a way for us to unite and gather strength to confront the tyranny and cowardice of our governments.
I truly hope the Global Sumud Flotilla achieves its goal: to break the blockade and siege on the Palestinian people. But for that to be possible, we must unite, make noise on social media and in the streets. We must do everything within our reach to show the greatest universal support ever seen, so that this genocidal state of Israel dares not harm them further. They have given body and soul, bearing the suffering of their families. Those of us who have stayed on shore must do our part. Let us not be cowards, those of us who remained in port.
The siege on Gaza is surpassing any imaginable limit. As horrific as the crimes that occur every passing minute is the complicit silence in the face of the murder and destruction of the Palestinian people.
** In this link you will be able to view photos from August 30th and 31st in Barcelona.
Comentaris