Unless you live under a rock, or unless you’ve made the unfortunate decision to ignore it, you probably already know that several humanitarian crises are going on currently.
The most recognized is the active genocide going on in Palestine, particularly in the occupied spaces of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. However, there are also active genocides and other ethical struggles going on in Congo, Sudan, and several other countries that need our immediate attention as well.
First and foremost, let me be absolutely clear: I’ll always stand on the side of the oppressed, not the oppressor. I believe that we not only need an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, but we also need immediate aid for all oppressed people and the entire liberation of every occupied country as a whole. These aren’t political or religious issues…they’re humanitarian ones.
That being said, if you, like me, stand on the side of the oppressed, you’re probably also feeling an immense amount of grief right now.
I want you to know that you’re not alone in this feeling.
These tragedies are completely abnormal for us to witness and even more abnormal for the oppressed people to endure.
Here are some tips and resources on how to deal with grieving during a humanitarian crisis.
Recognize the Legitimacy of Your Feelings
According to clinical psychologist and managing director of The LightHouse Arabia, Dr. Saliha Afridi, “Grief is a multifaceted response to loss and it’s crucial to understand that your reactions are both natural and valid. Dismissing or denying these feelings can complicate [and negatively affect your grieving process]. However, by accepting them, [you can positively acknowledge] your humanity and the depth of your empathy.”
So, in order to process the many emotions that come with grief, especially during a humanitarian crisis, remember to tell yourself that it’s okay to be feeling what you’re feeling and try to spend some time each day in a few minutes of solid reflection.
You can do this by simplifying your schedule, saying no to doing non-essential tasks, meditating, or writing down your thoughts and feelings.
Share Your Pain With Your Community
As I said before, if the injustices that we’ve witnessed lately have deeply troubled your heart, you’re not alone.
What we’re all experiencing is what’s known as “collective grief”. As you’ve probably guessed, that means that a community, society, or nation is experiencing immense loss all at the exact same time.
Therefore, engaging with others who are experiencing the same feelings that you are can help to distribute the emotional weight and validate the existence of our shared humanity. Try to attend vigils, participate in online forums, talk to your friends and family, or join support groups where you can discuss whatever it is that you’re feeling.
Use Social Media Consciously and Take Breaks When You Can
Dr. Saliha Afridi goes on to explain, “Turning off social media at this time doesn’t seem to be an option for many people who feel they must use their platforms to engage in social activism, raise awareness, or show solidarity for those who are grieving. [However], be mindful of your exposure, not by disconnecting, but by [being selective].”
In other words, try to use and deeply connect with only a handful of trusted sources, rather than skimming over multiple, which can be overwhelming and confusing.
Just remember that content of this nature will always be incredibly distressing, so prepare yourself mentally before looking at it and know that it’s okay to give yourself breaks throughout the day to process the information and to find time for things that you love as well in order to balance the pain of your grief.
Get Involved
It goes without saying that witnessing these injustices is indescribably devastating.
You probably feel sad, angry, or confused as to how these atrocities could be happening to our fellow humans, animals, and communities. You probably question how our governments could remain silent, or worse, support these genocides. After legitimizing your feelings, finding community with others, and figuring out how to consciously use social media, you’re probably wondering how you can be of even greater help.
If so, I’ve compiled a list of resources below that vary from education, to media, to signing petitions, to protest schedules, to donation links, and so much more that you can take action with if you so choose.
*(NOTE: This is by no means a complete list! There are many other resources to be found as well. I find new ones almost daily. So be sure to also do some further research on your own to find even more!)*
CONGO
Educate Yourself…
1. World Without Genocide: history of the conflict in Congo since 1996.
2. Free the Slaves: history, news resources, and reports on the conflict in Congo.
Take Action…
1. Sign the Free Congo Petition: stop the genocide and denounce Western neo-colonialism in Congo.
2. Sign The Hunger Site Petition: stop sexual violence and slavery in Congo.
3. USA for UNHCR: donate to an organization that provides emergency shelter and lifesaving aid including food, medicine, and clean water in Congo.
4. Save the Children: donate to an organization that provides humanitarian aid for children in Congo.
Accounts to Follow…
1. @congofriends (nonprofit organization)
2. @voiceofcongo (news organization)
3. @sabiesbooks (content creator)
4. @sincerelyawa (content creator)
PALESTINE
Educate Yourself…
1. Decolonize Palestine: history of the land spanning from pre-colonization, the British Mandate, and the Nakba, to the present (+unlearning and relearning what we’ve been taught about Palestine).
2. Vox News Palestine Guide: bite-sized articles that explain a lot of big questions.
3. Israel’s Apartheid Against Palestinians: what is apartheid (+report).
Books…
1. The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi
2. Return: a Palestinian Memoir by Ghada Karmi
3. Fateful Triangle: the United States, Israel, and the Palestinians by Noam Chomsky
4. Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions by Omar Barghouti
5. Footnotes in Gaza by Joe Sacco
6. The Iron Cage: The Story for the Palestinian Struggle of Statehood by Rashid Khalidi
7. Eighteen Days in October: The Yom Kippur War and How it Created the Modern Middle East by Uri Kaufman
8. My People Shall Live: The Autobiography of a Revolutionary by Leila Khaled
Movies…
1. Five Broken Cameras (2011)
2. Paradise Now (2005)
3. Children of Shatila (1999)
4. Born in Gaza (2014)
5. Budrus: It Takes a Village to Unite the Most Divided People on Earth (2010)
6. Gaza Fights for Freedom (2019)
Take Action…
1. Islamic Relief USA: donate to an organization that provides humanitarian aid in Gaza.
2. US Campaign for Palestinian Rights: donate to a national network of activists and organizations who are committed to freedom, justice, and equality for the Palestinian people and who work to end United States complicity in their oppression.
3. Palestine Children’s Relief Fund: donate to an organization that envisions a world where all children in the Middle East have access to quality medical care, regardless of nationality, religion, or political affiliation.
8. Stay Updated On the Latest News
Accounts to Follow…
1. @m.z.gaza (Palestinian photographer)
2. @ahmedhijazee (Palestinian videographer)
3. @mohmmed_awad89 (Palestinian journalist)
4. @saher_alghorra (Palestinian photographer)
5. @hani.aburezeq (Palestinian journalist)
6. @motaz_azaiza (Palestinian photographer)
7. @belalkh (Palestinian photographer)
8. @mohammed_dahlan86 (Palestinian journalist)
9. @joegaza93 (Palestinian PICU nurse, freelancer, and activist)
10. @byplestia (Palestinian journalist)
11. @malaloul (Palestinian videographer)
12. @alijadallah66 (Palestinian photographer and videographer)
13. @wizard_bisan1 (Palestinian filmmaker and journalist)
14. @majdi_fathi (Palestinian photographer)
15. @palestinianyouthmovement (grassroots organization)
16. @eye.on.palestine (news organization)
17. @ajplus (news organization)
18. @middleeasteye (news organization)
19. @propagandavstruth (content creator)
20. @anees (Palestinian artist and content creator)
21. @meriamawadatalk (Lebanese artist and content creator)
22. @goub (Palestinian content creator)
23. @sincerelyawa (content creator)
24. @nemahsis (Palestinian artist and content creator)
25. @iamsbeih (Palestinian and Filipino content creator)
26. @sexualityscholar (Jewish content creator)
SUDAN
Educate Yourself…
1. Operation Broken Silence: history of the current and past conflicts in Sudan.
2. The Tahrir Institute: history of the current conflict in Sudan.
3. Aljazeera: discussing Sudan’s civilian leaders’ hope to save their country from collapse in the current conflict.
Take Action…
1. Email Congress and Your Local Officials
2. Darfur Women Action Group: donate to a women-led organization that amplifies the voices of Darfur in Sudan and empowers the affected communities.
3. Sudan Relief: donate to help the people of Sudan with immediate needs such as food, water, shelter, and medication.
Acounts to Follow…
1. @bsonblast (content creator)
2. @sincerelyawa (content creator)
*OTHER ACTIVE GENOCIDES TO LOOK INTO!*
Despite our grief, please remember that we must continue to raise our voices, keep fighting for all of those who are oppressed, and above all else, keep our hope alive no matter what.
Do you have any other resources that aren’t listed here? Share in the comments below!
Resources:
Afridi, Saliha. “Dr. Saliha Afridi Explains How to Navigate Collective Grief.” MOJEH, 2 Nov. 2023, mojeh.com/beauty-health/dr-saliha-afridi-grief-overwhelm-humanitarian-crisis-gaza-mental-health/. Accessed 24 Nov. 2023.