Background

In the recent genocide in Gaza, we have had excellent work in digital advocacy via social media, and it has put the Zionists in a panic as public opinion has started to shift in favor of Palestine, causing the streets to flood with protestors.

However, we are facing tremendous amounts of censorship, shadowbans and even community notes claiming our sources are false information. In the mainstream media Palestinian advocates are being cut off in all their interviews and the recordings are being taken down. Elon Musk has even proclaimed that using the phrase “from the river to the sea” can cause you to be banned on X, the platform on which the billionaire spent 44 million dollars to ensure free speech (1).

In this article, I want to explain the importance of conducting in person advocacy in addition to digital advocacy. In light of the ongoing and deeply concerning conflict between Palestine and Israel, it is imperative that we come together as a community to engage in meaningful discussions, debates, and seek understanding through in-person meetings. The Quran and Hadith provide us with guidance on fostering unity, compassion, and addressing conflicts in a just manner.

In the Quran, we know the story of how Bani Israel, the Children of Israel, were facing a genocide at the hands of Firaun, the Pharaoh of Egypt.

Allah mentions in the Quran:

“Sahih International: And [recall, O Children of Israel], when We saved you from the people of Pharaoh, [who were] afflicting you with the worst torment - killing your sons and keeping your women alive. And in that was a great trial from your Lord.”

What did Musa AS (Moses may peace be upon him) do during this time of genocide and how can we apply the lessons today to the genocide of the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank?

‍

1. Organize or attend a Town Hall

‍

Moreover, the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) teaches us the significance of dialogue:
Tariq ibn Shihab reported: A man asked the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, while he had his leg in the stirrup, “Which jihad is best?” The Prophet said, “A word of truth before a tyrannical ruler.”

‍

Source: Sunan al-Nasā’ī 4209

Musa AS’s first course of action, the very first thing he decided to do in response to the genocide, was to go directly to Firaun and speak with him. However, he didn’t just speak to him in private. There was a room full of people listening in on this discussion.
In modern terms, we’d call this a Town Hall. A town hall “is a way for local and national politicians to meet with their constituents either to hear from them on topics of interest or to discuss specific upcoming legislation or regulations.” (2)
Seek out community gatherings being held with your elected officials, be they federal or local. Bring members of the community and have your voice heard. If they are voting on a resolution to support Israel, make sure to go and speak our point of view. If there are no events being held, try organizing one and inviting your elected official to the event. Remember that it is not just about convincing the elected official, but it is also for anyone else there that is listening and if the event is live streamed the viewers at home as well.

2. Organize a debate in your community or on your college campus

Many college students have expressed to me feeling a high tension on their college campuses here in the NYC area. Some students are being doxxed, smeared with trucks proclaiming they are anti-semetic, and SJP groups are being disbanded (3). While protests are important to show mass support for the cause, debates are a great form of advocacy to educate your other students on campus. 

Musa AS went to face off the magicians in the time of the Pharaoh in front of the people of Egypt at the time. This event during the genocide of Bani Israel was critical in informing the masses of onlookers.

فَلَمَّا جَآءَ ٱلسَّحَرَةُ قَالُوا۟ لِفِرْعَوْنَ أَئِنَّ لَنَا لَأَجْرًا إِن كُنَّا نَحْنُ ٱلْغَـٰلِبِينَ ٤١
When the magicians came, they asked Pharaoh, “Shall we have a ˹suitable˺ reward if we prevail?

Just like Firaun, the Israelis are often paid actors given incentive to speak on Israel’s behalf. 

فَأَلْقَىٰ مُوسَىٰ عَصَاهُ فَإِذَا هِىَ تَلْقَفُ مَا يَأْفِكُونَ ٤٥
Then Moses threw down his staff, and—behold!—it devoured the objects of their illusion!

The miracle that he was sent with from Allah quickly ate up the illusions the magicians were creating. If you have never participated in a debate before, remember that you are upon the truth and they are upon falsehood. What you have is strong and what they have is weak. Simply speaking the truth has power!

فَأُلْقِىَ ٱلسَّحَرَةُ سَـٰجِدِينَ ٤٦
So the magicians fell down, prostrating.

The magicians believed in what Musa AS had brought. Likewise, many Israeli Jews are raised to believe in Zionist propaganda and are shocked when they finally learn the truth. You may be saving someone spiritually by uncovering the propaganda for them.

Conclusion:

The Palestine-Israel conflict is a pressing issue that demands our attention and informed discourse. Through in-person meetings, we can share knowledge, challenge misconceptions, and explore avenues for collective action. Our unity as a community is a powerful force for positive change, and it is our duty to contribute to the well-being of humanity.

I propose that we organize a series of in-person meetings and debates to facilitate a constructive dialogue on the Palestine-Israel conflict. Let us draw inspiration from our faith, the Quran, and Hadith to guide our discussions towards peace, justice, and understanding.

Please join me in this endeavor to make a positive impact on our community and contribute to the resolution of this critical issue. Together, we can create a space for open dialogue, empathy, and cooperation.

May Allah guide us and grant us the wisdom to navigate these challenging times. 

‍

1. https://www.newarab.com/news/say-river-sea-get-suspended-x-musk
2. https://www.google.com/url?q=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Town_hall_meeting&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1700768320017247&usg=AOvVaw1mMTma4e7rris_ZamN9zwg
3. https://www.insidehighered.com/news/students/free-speech/2023/11/10/columbia-suspends-two-pro-palestinian-groups

‍