Column: Pain echoes loudly on both sides of the Gaza Strip as US turns back on humanity
In recent months, friends have been checking in, asking the simple yet weighty question: Are you feeling OK? Amidst the chaos of the world, answering has become increasingly difficult.
As someone raised in the Middle East, witnessing the suffering of the Palestinians is unfortunately not new to me. However, what has shaken me to the core is the apparent complicity of the U.S. government in the bombing and killing of civilians.
The U.S. government chose to turn its back on humanity and ignore the voices of many American citizens.
A YouGov survey revealed that over 60% of Americans, including progressive Jewish groups, are calling for a ceasefire. Despite this, the U.S. used its power to veto a U.N. Security Council resolution advocating for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The shameful lone action only results in more destruction and death for innocent people.
Many immigrants came here as a result of government corruption, prosecution or a low-income environment. The U.S. is a haven and a refugee for many nationalities. It gave us a better place for our dreams and futures to thrive.
Nine years ago, I came to the United States, residing in a conservative city with less than 1 percent Muslim population. I grew a small circle of friends who eased my homesickness feeling. I found a dedicated effort from my children’ teachers in respecting our cultural identity.
These acts of kindness are not affiliated with any race, religion or political party.
Despite our differences, the community has shown more humanity than hostility.
I knew I was ready to become a neutralized citizen when those around me made me feel this land is, home.
Pledged due diligence, and wait for reciprocation from government
When we raised our hands and pledged our due diligence, we meant it. We work tirelessly, pay taxes and contribute to our communities. Yet, as we fulfill our responsibilities, we yearn for reciprocation from the government.
Ohio saw pro-Palestinian protests in Columbus, Akron and Cleveland showcasing compassion from diverse residents. However, officials failed to see our pain. They don’t see us American enough.
Ohio Republican Sen. J.D. Vance, along with other GOP Senators, sent a letter to President Joe Biden opposing special immigration protections for Palestinian people. Additionally, they advocated for the deportation of Palestinians living in the U.S.
He highlighted the tragic murder of an elderly Jewish man by a pro-Palestinian protester in California. Undoubtedly terrible. But the equally horrific stabbing of a 6-year-old Muslim boy in Chicago by a landlord goes unacknowledged. Why this selective empathy?
On the other side, Democrats appear to show more empathy toward the situation in Gaza.
Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) joined 24 of his Senate colleagues in urging the administration to allow lifesaving humanitarian assistance in the West Bank and Gaza. He had been standing with the Jewish community in Ohio since the Oct. 7 attacks. Yet, Palestinian Americans watching their relatives being bombed every day receive no such support. The pain of a Palestinian family echoes as loudly as that of any other.
We do matter in this country whether politicians like it or not. Our backgrounds and experiences are integral threads in the fabric of this nation.
Nation, community must rise above divisions
While our voices are neglected by those who wield power, we, as a community and a nation, must rise above these divisions.
Although public officials have vowed to serve the American people, their commitment seems to waver when it comes to empathy.
They overlooked our pain, but our voice is undeniable and our votes still matter.
This is a call for change − a call for a government that truly represents all Americans, where the voices of the unheard are amplified, and where empathy knows no bounds.
Shams Mustafa is a freelance journalist for the Wooster Daily Record. She came to the U.S. from Egypt and lives with her husband and children in Orrville.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Opinion: Why 'selective empathy' in US about Israel-Hamas conflict?
