Palestinian civilians : “Empowering Response to Gaza Crisis”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Gaza crisis solutions
2. Taking action against Gaza atrocities

Last week, the president of my union, the Maine Education Association, announced that the MEA had voted to urge our pension fund to divest from entities complicit in violating the human rights of Palestinian civilians. The situation in Gaza and the West Bank is dire, with thousands killed and schools destroyed. As a teacher, I see the impact on children firsthand. The MEA’s vote is a step towards change, echoing past successful divestment campaigns. We must pressure Israel to end the assaults on Palestine and secure a free Palestinian state. Together, we can make a difference and stand up for human rights.

Last week, the president of my union, the Maine Education Association, sent out a significant announcement to over 10,000 educators in our state. The MEA had made a bold decision at its annual convention to urge our pension fund to divest its holdings from any corporation, state-owned entity, or financial product identified as complicit in violating the human rights of Palestinian civilians under international law.

A proud fourth-grade teacher and union member, I was filled with immense pride after learning about this vote by the MEA. As the human rights crisis unfolds in Gaza and the West Bank, it becomes crucial for us to take a stand. We can either choose to turn a blind eye to the atrocities or take action. The MEA has chosen the latter, and I stand in solidarity with this decision.

The situation on the ground is grim. According to the United Nations, Israeli forces have killed 35,000 Palestinians in Gaza so far. Shockingly, around 60% of those identified victims are women, children, or older adults. The Israeli military’s actions have left much of Gaza in ruins. In the occupied West Bank, the conditions are not much better, with over 500 Palestinians killed by right-wing Israeli settlers and police since October 7.

The global community has started to take notice of the violence. In January, the International Court of Justice raised concerns about the risk of genocide in Gaza and ordered Israel to take preventive measures. More recently, the ICJ instructed Israel to halt its invasion of Rafah, the last safe haven for Palestinian civilians. Despite these orders, Israel continues its onslaught, resulting in daily civilian massacres.

As an educator dedicated to nurturing and educating young minds, I was devastated to hear about the destruction of Gaza’s once-renowned educational system. Gaza’s schools, responsible for one of the world’s highest literacy rates, have been decimated by the Israeli military. Over 80% of schools and all 12 universities in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed. More than 10,000 students and 1,000 teachers have been killed or injured, leaving over 600,000 children without access to education.

The impact of this crisis hits close to home for me as I see my own students reflected in the tragic statistics from Gaza. These are bright, curious children who deserve a safe learning environment, but instead, they are faced with unimaginable loss and trauma.

In times of such immense tragedy, it is easy to feel powerless, especially from thousands of miles away. However, history has shown that collective action can bring about change. Just like the pressure on South Africa during the apartheid era, boycotts and divestment can make a difference. Maine’s decision to divest from the apartheid regime in 1987 played a part in ending apartheid.

We need to apply the same nonviolent pressure on Israel now to end the assaults on Palestine. Every voice matters, and the MEA’s vote is a significant step. It may be just one vote, but it sets a precedent for other unions, institutions, and individuals to follow suit.

I am immensely proud of my fellow educators for taking a stand and leading the charge in advocating for human rights and justice in Palestine. Together, we can make a difference and work towards a peaceful resolution to this ongoing crisis.