smaller communities ’ intrinsic need to not be treated as inferior . Rachel Riley on virtual rally ‘ Get Hate Off Campus ’ stated these ideals “ must be confronted and ostracised ”.
Intergenerational and interpersonal trauma means it is difficult , it is draining , and it is painful for members of oppressed groups to become these aspired political and social activists . It is not weak for not wanting to protest , considering our past , it is understandable . Today ’ s social climate , seemingly at boiling point , already has a destructive impact on mental health , and it is complicated to decide whether pride or fear is the appropriate outlook .
It came to my attention that 2021 ’ s Holocaust Memorial Day fell on the same day as Tu Bishvat , the Jewish festival of trees , harvest and natural life . I didn ’ t register the coincidental paradox until I saw the tweet , “ The irony of this day also being Tu Bishvat . They tried to bury us , but we were seeds ” (@ ADavidGordon ). Throughout the entirety of our being , we have survived . We are alive . We have risen from ashes and to me , that is powerful .
But , there is strength in solidarity . We demand safety and action . And we need allies , because we feel alone .