By Nada El-Margoushy
Throughout this ongoing crisis that captured our attention in the Arab World as well as worldwide for over a month now, all anyone can think of is how they can help. Heartbreaking videos and photos have been speculating all over social media platforms, and the situation in Gaza is getting worse by the minute. Yes, our hands are tied when it comes to going to war with the US-baked IDF, but we are not completely helpless. Here are several ways you can be useful during these hard times.
1) Educate yourself on the Palestinian cause
This conflict between Palestine and Israel is not new; it has been a problem for decades. You can even trace it back to the beginning of the past century. That is precisely why you need to work hard to educate yourself on the matter, know the whole story, and learn about Palestinian history, heritage, and culture.
2) Teach new generations
As important as it is to learn about the cause, adults MUST educate the youngsters on the matter too. Children these days are unaware of the history of the decades-old conflict and the on-and-off war, so they are probably prone to being manipulated by the corrupted media. It is our duty to enlighten these young generations with the truth and constantly talk to them about it.
3) Share the truth
We have witnessed over and over the undeniable, unlimited power of social media; we need to use that fact to our advantage and do our best to spread the truth to get the message to the West, as it is no surprise that Western media is completely biased towards Israel and has always managed to manipulate the truth. It is our job to deliver the truth through our social media platforms. Share as much as you can; publish posts, reels, and stories on Facebook, Instagram, and X, and don’t forget to make your posts public.
Also, if you have foreign friends talk to them and enlighten them about the cause.
4) Boycott international products and switch to local brands
Boycotting American and European products is one of the most effective ways to get your message across the globe, and it has already proven successful. It is also a chance to support your local brand, which in turn will help elevate the Egyptian economy. It is important to know that this boycott is not just a temp move to scare the West and make a dent in their economy; the goal is to change our lifestyle and stop our blind support for the U.S. and Israel. Post about the boycott to encourage others to do it and share local substitutes.
5) Pray, Pray, Pray!
Nothing is above God’s will and plan, so turn to him and pray for your brothers and sisters in Gaza, day and night. Don’t ever lose faith in God or get bored of waiting; the victory is written in the Quran; one just needs to believe. Also, do “Isteghfar” with the sole intent of a soon victory.
6) Donate
Many charitable organizations and NGOs constantly encourage people to donate to Gaza; you can donate money, blood, or even your time and participate in the packing process. It would be mighty helpful of you to spread the word and motivate more people to donate.
7) Follow the Initiatives
Right now, most organizations are launching various initiatives to aid the Palestinian victims of the genocide. For example, Misr El Kheir has started an initiative to donate baby products for babies, such as diapers, baby wipes, artificial baby milk (Formula), and baby bottles. On their part, the Motherbeing foundations began an initiative to donate women’s hygiene products, while Egyptian clothing brand Khotwh has collaborated with different clothing stores in Egypt to donate clothes for the stranded Gazans in Palestine. Of course, if you do more research, you can definitely find many other similar initiatives.
8) Start a petition to call for a ceasefire and letting humanitarian aid into Gaza
Another way to try to be useful is to join a movement or start a petition demanding your state officials to interfere and take serious actions to end this crisis. Demand your officials to call for an immediate ceasefire and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, as right now, the Israeli forces are bombing and striking Gaza and the West Bank, and they are letting only a tiny fraction of the humanitarian aid the Palestinians desperately need, and this has to change soon.
