Nine floors doesn’t sound that high. But I had forgotten what it was like to sleep above a city. In fact, had I ever? Ground floor sheds, first floor flats, two storey houses; but never a tall building that towers over cityscapes and makes cars look like toys. In one direction I can see Bukhansan Mountain and its sprawling forest-lined peaks. In the other, the skyscrapers towering over modest homes that are stacked and crowded in little pockets. I’ve spent a lot of time sitting here reflecting as the clouds pass over the mountains and people spill out of subway stations, impossibly small, impossibly vast.
Thinking –
I watched a video from a Korean creator who speaks of the division of North and South Korea, and the imperialist forces that created such a divide for geopolitical and strategic reasons. And that this empathy means an inherent belief in the freedom of Palestine. It has become increasingly apparent yet narrowly reported that western support for Israel’s continued brutal occupation of Palestine is because of economic, political and capitalistic advantages that they will gain. I feel ashamed to be part of a state that values power and money over human lives. I believe the people of Palestine should be free. I believe that peace can only come when Israel ends the occupation of Palestine. I believe that being pro-Palestine does not mean being anti-Semitic – and that any hatred towards any religious group is inherently wrong. I believe that the Jewish people who stand in solidarity with Palestine are brave and strong and good.
I’ve spent the past few weeks reading and watching, and while traditional western media in the US and the UK offer completely skewed facts and opinions, there are a couple of pieces I would recommend, namely this article written by Saree Makdisi for n+1. I’ve found TikTok* to be a hugely informative resource, where academics and citizens are able to express the facts without censorship. If you want to know what is really happening in Gaza, please follow Bisan Owda.
Here are just a handful of videos that I have been consuming to inform my own thoughts on the situation: Ta-Nehisi Coates on his experience of visiting Palestine, comparing it to stepping back in time to Jim Crow America; the words of this protestor who grew up in the West Bank on seeking peace for his people; this discussion on how the international community really feels about standing with Palestine; Norman Finkelstein on why the Israeli government needs an extremist Hamas to justify its war crimes and continued occupation of Palestine.
Finally, if you are looking for any more resources please read my friend
’s brilliant newsletter that gives a concise list of articles and books to read, as well as places to donate.
A few other recommendations from my time in Seoul, where I’ve been immersed in family dynamics, food, culture and walking slow enough so my parents can keep up. Google Maps doesn’t really work in Korea but here’s a link to all my favourite places that we’ve been to in case you’re planning a trip to Seoul (WIP). It’s by no means extensive but definitely extremely local. Enjoy!
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