Writing a Statement on Palestine

You are here because of the title, "Writing a Statement on Palestine", and not because you yourself question whether genocide is unacceptable. Most likely you are here because the disconnect between humanity and industry suddenly feels supremely vast.

Artwork by Hurriyyatee Palestine

You are shocked that, even with a mountain of evidence, those who wield power either intentionally or via absence of action prioritize capitalism (clients/funders!), alliances (politics!), and reputation (image/brand!).  You remain increasingly uncomfortable with the now blatant violations of our rights to free speech and intimidation tactics, but what to say?
We yearn to reconcile spirit and labor, while "tone deaf" only scratches the surface of organizations' actions and words.  
Following, you will find five steps to define the organization's statement regarding Palestine, written by a radical consumer who would want to hear organizations say it. So let us begin with the truth, keep reading to find gracious ways to spread it. 

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STEP ONE: Humble yourself. Then humble yourself some more. 
Organizations are under some impression that they must be perfect to be trusted. This is false, absolutely false. Why trust someone who always, unequivocally, says they're right? After 75 years of Israeli/Zionist propaganda, brainwashing, and deceit​, It's acceptable that you simply didn't know better, that you were wrong. However, once the information emerges, the excuse of "not knowing better," evaporates. It's genocide rooted in Islamophobia and capitalism, show that you can name it. So how do you say it? Be honest, be specific:

"Organization ABC committed to use the time since October 7th to discover, evidence, and grapple with a wealth of new information about the history and context of the Occupied State of Palestine. We now understand that we are bearing witness to a genocide, to which our silence has tacitly contributed."

STEP TWO: Acknowledge organization's role in harm.
Don't be fooled: Silence is an action. Hollow words are silence. While anti-Jewish/antisemitism is well recognized and swiftly addressed, we failed our Muslim community in providing the same support, humanization, and most importantly now, protection. This is where it gets hard: Self-reflection. If you are here reading this, it's guaranteed that your organization IS Islamophobic. Period. How many gendered stereotypes of Muslims have played out in the organization? How many times were Muslims in the workplace made to feel "othered"? Start with you: What are YOUR personal biases regarding Islam? [TAKE AN IMPLICIT BIAS TEST] So, how do you say it? Be honest and specific:

"We are wrestling, in real time, with our own role in contributing to pervasive harms, specifically around perpetuating Islamophobia both within and outside of the organization. Our silence / initial statement fell [insert strong adjective] short of our ever elevated ideals [or] today feels tone-deaf and uninformed."

STEP THREE: Acknowledge contextual and collective loss.
As a Black, Muslim woman myself and one in diversity/equity/inclusion spaces, I never expect to feel included when it comes to my religion. That is a gross shame on us all. By not inviting thoughts and contributions rooted in spiritual practice, we not only deny ourselves the benefit of a new idea, but one that most likely serves humanity and not just capitalism: Islam has a lot to offer the world. Islam guides its followers to fair and transparent business transactions, honesty, patience,  steadfastness, generosity, creativity, collaboration, selflessness, charity... By denying equality to our Muslim employees, clients, and customers all of humanity loses. So, how do you say it? Be honest and specific:

"We are learning of the great cultural loss caused by marginalizing and fearing Muslims here locally and on the global stage. Muslims, like all people of faith, deserve not only human rights as protected by law, but specifically in this time Muslims deserve the recognition of the harm caused and an offer for its cure."

STEP FOUR: Commit to action. 
In Islam, the word tawah means "forgiveness" and includes a commitment to not repeat the same wrongdoing.  This is another difficult nexus: Where to go from here and, "It's complicated," is a natural reaction. But, you're wrong, it's simple: Do the right thing with what you have. Instead of offering sample language, here you must take stock of your organization's relationship to uncertainty: What will your clients and funders think? Will you be targeted by unseen forces? Will this effect your bottom line? Stop. Stop right there and back up: Do not weigh human life against profit ever again. Now, let us continue with better questions to address uncertainty such as, "How are we able to pivot if necessary to uphold our values?" Simultaneously, consider the following commitments and how they may fit with the "what you have" part:

1. Divest/Invest. Look closer at employee benefit providers and their portfolios. Know your companies. (Note: Depending on your state, publicly boycotting Israel is against the law, proceed with caution) Then, be open to more diverse and ethics-based partnerships, whether they be Islamic/Muslim-owned or not. 
2. Diversify thought. Commit to specific, intentional learning about aspects of Islam that relate specifically to business. While you're at it, take five minutes and learn about Islamic holidays for the calendar. (Ramadan and two Eids also equals new markets btw!)
3. Elevate. Look at those most affected in the organization and create an opportunity to pay them to guide you with their lived experience. 
4. Invite.  Folks make a living by educating folks on Muslim inclusion and Islamophobia. We know them, and you know us so reach out: [email protected].
5. Charity. In Arabic, charity is called zakat and it's fundamental roles serves as one of the five pillars of faith. In the world of industry and commerce, charity also plays an important function: generosity is a good look. Find a single charity that supports Palestinians to which the organization feels a connection. Call them and talk to a person. Make new friends and you will see that it's not actually charity: It's first a duty, and may it blossoms into an investment. 

STEP FIVE: DO NOT say stupid shit.
Re-read whatever you just wrote. Does it sound authentic and appropriate? Look, it's guaranteed that nobody wants to hear these phrases, so re-write without:

• "Thoughts and prayers"
• "Our hearts go out to"
• "Complicated, complex" anything
• "We condemn", "We stand with"
• "Terrorist", "Extremist"
• "Religious", "Jihad"
• "Both sides", "tragic"
• "War", this is a genocide.
• "Hostages", unless you're talking about all hostages including the thousands who are Palestinian.
• "Died", They were massacred, murdered, martyred. 
• "Israel". Try, "Occupying State of Israel" instead.
• Using Muslim/Palestinian/Arab/Gazan interchangeably. Don't. 
• "Antisemitic" because Palestinians are also semitic peoples. Try "Anti-Jewish" if you must but really, today you need to learn how to talk about Islamophobia (which is why you're reading this.)

We are rooting for you. Your organization? Meh, idk, let's see how this goes. But YOU! Be brave and keep taking risks. You are soooo not alone and listen: If this causes discord in the organization, consider the price of your humanity. There is an idea, an organization, a something out there waiting for your shine. That's Equity.
Did this resonate? Doing the right thing starts now, so PAY THE LADY.