Read the proposal in PDF format here: https://bit.ly/FullTextProposaltoPM

 

Proposal to The Prime Minister of Singapore

In Solidarity with Palestine

 

For Palestine, Singapore & The World 

By The Youth of Singapore 

31st December 2023

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

“The temptation in our situation is to speak in muffled tones about an issue such as the right of the people of Palestine…we can easily be enticed to read reconciliation and fairness as meaning parity between justice and injustice. Having achieved our own freedom, we can fall into the trap of washing our hands of difficulties that others faces…yet we would be less than human if we did so…”

Nelson Mandela

Address at The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Pretoria, 4th December 1997

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Prime Minister, 

In the last few months, we have spoken with many young people about the events that have unfolded in Palestine and Israel, and with them, have initiated this proposal. For this proposal, we hope to speak for the youth of Singapore in voicing our concerns for the Palestinian struggle for liberation, justice, and peace. 

We are writing to you with great helplessness and sorrow, as we bear witness to the continuous tragedy and horror unfolding in Gaza and across greater Palestine, each day worse than the last. We could not have imagined that in the 21st century, such mortifying crimes against humanity can be committed in broad daylight– unchecked, unpunished, and in front of our very own eyes in real time. Yet, despite our feelings of grief, helplessness and frustration, we remain empowered to call on you and our leaders to take more concrete action in relieving the ongoing plight of the Palestinian people. Essentially, we ask of you to stand for Freedom, Justice and Human Dignity, because then and only then can Peace be restored for the Palestinians. As the Palestinians themselves say “No peace without justice, no justice without return.”

For many Singaporeans going about our daily lives, the plight of the Palestinian people may be far from us physically. However, deep in our hearts, we feel every wound and loss inflicted on them, regardless of our race, language or religion. As what people all around the world have reiterated, “You do not have to be Palestinian to care for the Palestinian struggle. You just have to be human.” It is thus imperative that we do not leave our fellow brothers and sisters of humanity to face their struggles alone.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Prime Minister, we hereby call for your action on the following.

1. Singapore must condemn Israel’s war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The United Nations and many countries have affirmed Israel’s right to self-defence in response to the Hamas attacks on 7th October 2023. However, it is evident and undisputed by millions of common people like us across the world that the Israeli government and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have abused that right. Instead, they have unceasingly committed war crimes and crimes against humanity on the Palestinian people since 7th October 2023.

With the speed and reach at which information is shared in our modern technological age, governments and leaders can no longer find excuses to defend the Israeli government’s actions and justify their increasingly inane propaganda. Additionally, the current generation is not as susceptible to being misled by false information pushed by the IDF and Western media alike, because we grew up learning about the Holocaust and oppressed peoples across the world through our History lessons in school. We learned about key figures who kept the wheels turning smoothly in totalitarian propaganda machines: Joseph Goebbels, the Chief Propagandist for the Nazi Party, and Mikhail Suslov, the Head of the Central Committee Department for Agitation and Propaganda during Stalin’s Soviet dictatorship. Is it any wonder that we are hard to convince, confuse, and mislead?

Most importantly, we have witnessed the events unfolding in Gaza through the lenses of independent and non-independent journalists we see on social media, some of whom are youths like us: on Instagram, Bisan (@wizard_bisan1) is 24 , Motaz (@motaz_azaiza) is 24 , and Plestia (@byplestia) is 22. These young journalists risk their lives to document what is unfolding in Gaza, in desperate hopes that their cries for help do not fall on deaf ears, and that their current and past struggles for liberation are not buried under the rubble along with their beloved ones. If governments are concerned about the validity of information these young journalists are relaying, they can put that concern to rest: for their service, they have nothing to gain but death. There are also several other social media accounts (@eye.on.palestine) collecting information and reporting events recorded by a pool of journalists on the ground, many of which can be cross-referenced and verified through news networks like Al-Jazeera. Our generation is media-literate, critical, and historically grounded, thanks to older generations who saw it important to instil these in us. What space can their voices and ours occupy in legitimate discourse to shape the course of history and save the Palestinians?  

Since the start of the conflict, words have been weaponised to delegitimise the oppression and suffering of Palestinians. Mass media coverage has minimised the immensity of casualties among Palestinians and inaccurately painted the conflict as a “war” when in reality, civilian populations and non-combatants have been deliberately targeted and massacred in hospitals, refugee camps, schools, and religious sites. Mass media have also unfairly described Israeli victims as “women and children'' while Palestinian victims are simply “women and people under the age of 18”. This language seeks to dehumanise the Palestinians as nothing more than collateral damage.

Language is powerful. We must call a spade, a spade. What is happening in Gaza and other occupied territories must be recognised as they are: war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity, all of which are in violation of International Law.

The Israeli government’s actions can no longer be justified. We are frustrated from hearing the same excuses being parroted by world leaders defending Israel, while their depraved crimes against humanity are witnessed by us and millions around the world. As Dr. Craig Mokhiber stated in his letter to Volker Turk, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, “This is a text-book case of genocide”.

Singapore must use its voice by explicitly disapproving and condemning Israel’s acts of aggression as crimes against humanity and genocide. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Recognise that these actions are not consistent with a nation exercising the right to self-defence. 

On 20th October 2023, you mentioned in an interview that Israel, “in exercising its right to defend itself, should comply with international law”. It is clear that Israel’s actions since the attacks on October 7th are consistent only with a nation intent on genocide and tyranny. Israel has attacked Gaza with nary a consideration for any international law or ‘Rules of War’. The Geneva Convention was established in 1949 to define a clear set of international humanitarian laws to limit the devastating effects of armed conflict. Regardless of whether one agrees or disagrees on the validity of Israel’s claim to the right of self-defence, its retaliatory conduct since 7th October has been in blatant disregard of the Geneva Convention, meant to protect civilians, medical practitioners, journalists, the injured and vulnerable, and prisoners of war. It is made worse with senior Israel officials openly making outrageous statements endorsing genocide and the complete destruction of Gaza, some even calling this war “Nakba 2023”. There is simply zero regard for the sanctity of human life.

It is therefore not a coincidence that the combined death toll in Gaza and the Occupied West Bank has risen to over 21,000 in merely 3 months. Among these numbers are thousands of children and more than 100 journalists. The number of civilian casualties have now exceeded those reported in most contemporary conflicts – including the ongoing war in Ukraine – and continue to accelerate at a staggering rate every hour.

In recent weeks, Israel’s other violations of international law have been exposed; the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian “prisoners” revealed Israel’s unlawful detention and ill-treatment of Palestinian “prisoners” for years, many of whom are young children and women detained with no outstanding charges.

The IDF has also destroyed more than 100 cultural heritage landmarks that hold significance to Palestine and the rest of the world. They’ve targeted educational institutions and public libraries, all of which represent the obliteration of an entire people’s identity, history, pride and existence in this world. International law and the Geneva Convention forbid any invading or occupying force from damaging undefended cultural heritage sites in times of war, yet Israel has proceeded with impunity.

These actions remind us of the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution in China, the burning of books in Nazi Germany and more recently, the Chinese Communist Party’s persecution of the Uyghurs. More importantly, it reminds us of the value and importance we, as Singaporeans, put into preserving our own heritage. How can we, as a nation, celebrate the preservation of our own culture and heritage while we witness the Palestinians’ being destroyed and erased from the face of this world? 

As a nation that puts utmost importance in National Service, only we know what it truly means to exercise the right to self-defence and only we know what it truly means to face oppression, mass killings, and wicked treatment of our people by an occupier, as in the Japanese Occupation, 1942-1945. We celebrate Total Defense to be reminded of the costs of freedom and sovereignty. But let us remember that we cannot celebrate Total Defense in isolation, for our nation does not exist in a vacuum, out of context from the rest of the world.

At the end of the day, our ability to rightfully exercise our own right to self-defence when needed rests on other countries being held accountable for properly using the same, and not abusing this right to cover a great many sins. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Represent Singaporean voices on the world stage.

Prime Minister, we would like to reiterate that the plight of the Palestinians is personal to us as a nation, and it is only right and just for Singapore to speak out against such atrocities and crimes against humanity. We must not hesitate to use strong language against Israel’s actions, for we are not in any position to hold the lives of the Palestinians on a double standard. It can be argued that this very impartiality is in itself signalling support for Israel, and by extension, allowing their crimes against humanity to continue. Since Singapore’s foreign policy is grounded on principles and not merely “taking sides'', we must be ever so ready to hold the IDF and the Israeli government accountable for their indiscriminate attack on the Palestinians in Gaza, just as we had done for Hamas’s brutal slaughter of Israeli civilians on 7th October. Singapore must lend its voice and ensure that the world recognizes Israel’s actions for what they truly are: occupation, apartheid, genocide, and war crimes. In speaking up in this manner, Singapore not only stands on the right side of history, but also discourages other state and non-state actors from committing the same atrocities in the future.    

Young Singaporeans like us are carving our own path, hoping to do the right thing as we shape the future of our country and the world. As we witness the events in Gaza unfold, we are deeply compelled to stand for what is right and hope our leaders will truly represent the voice of the people. Some will wonder what a tiny island nation like us can do in a world where superpowers like the United States have influence in almost all aspects of global events; however, our generation believes in our country’s ability to make a real impact. We have seen how Singapore has, in fact, been a pioneer on many fronts, from sustainability initiatives to healthcare policies and education frameworks. Our leaders have spoken on the global stage to address international issues and challenges of the future. We are aware of how idealistic we might sound, but why not add the noble effort of championing human rights and human dignity?

As mentioned earlier, the younger generation is well-versed in media literacy and comprehension, and this creates a new front for our national identity: Singapore’s position in world issues. It does not speak of nor bode well for us to continue to be impartial in matters pertaining to morality. Our nation’s lack of action has already been regarded by foreign groups and individuals, and by many young Singaporeans as complicity with Israel’s crimes. Many nations, not to mention Singaporeans themselves, continue to look to the Singapore government as an example and we cannot fail their trust. Our leaders must represent the voices of the people in order to maintain trust and faith in our institutions of power. Our leaders must stand for what is right and just to maintain reliable and trustworthy partnerships with other nations. The youth are constantly looking to what our leaders say and do on the world stage. Prime Minister, we cannot reiterate the importance of Singapore taking a stronger and harsher stance against the actions of Israel.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Encourage more dialogue and discussion among Singaporeans.

Singaporeans treasure the religious and racial harmony that has been fostered over the years since our independence in 1965. Through the course of this “war”, many youth have reflected not only on the inter-religious and inter-racial harmony in Singapore, but also the issues that still exist within the faultlines of our society and how our people may relate to the ongoing suffering in Gaza. Our ministers have mentioned countless number of times the importance of maintaining sensitivity and empathy in our words and actions as we navigate through this conflict to avoid creating division and hatred among the different groups in our society.

However, many Singaporeans, especially the youth, feel frustrated and disempowered as we have limited means to express our concerns and engage in meaningful discussions with others. As much as we should tread safe waters to preserve the fabric of our society, we cannot simply walk away from difficult conversations. As we have learned through the course of human history, conflict arises from the refusal of groups and individuals to engage in meaningful dialogue. Hatred and violence occur when we allow misunderstandings or even the lack of understanding to perpetuate and grow. As a country, we must help Singaporeans navigate through differing perspectives by facilitating necessary discussions and engagements with various interest groups, with the aim of bringing the entire nation towards a common goal of alleviating the plight of Palestinians and the oppressed in the world.

As Buddhist philosopher, educator and peacebuilder, Daisaku Ikeda (1928-2023) once said: “How can humankind overcome the crises that face us in the twenty-first century? There is, of course, no simple solution, no “magic wand” we can wave to make it all better. . . . The core of such efforts must be to bring forth the full potential of dialogue. So long as human history continues, we will face the perennial challenge of realising, maintaining and strengthening peace through dialogue.”

Such dialogues should focus on providing a safe space for individuals and groups to share their perspectives, concerns, and hopes. By going beyond discussions on national interests and the political complexities of the entirety of the Israel-Palestine conflict, Singaporeans can help each other find shared values in spite of differing views, and create grounds for mutual understanding and cohesiveness. The political and strategic discourse on Israel versus Palestine will never end. What our nation needs more than ever is a space for all Singaporeans to share their sacred emotions, to find our common humanity and to work towards a shared goal for a better world. Such dialogue must be grounded on education, empathy and humanism.

This conflict will be remembered for many generations to come, and as young Singaporeans, we are compelled to ask: What kind of world do we want our children to grow up in? How will our children feel when they look back in history to learn about what we had done during this conflict? We do not want future generations to look back and see our inaction and impartiality, not only because it is deeply shameful, but also implies that it is acceptable to be neutral in the face of injustice and blatant cruelty. Rest assured, our leaders have our full support for Singapore’s contributions in the United Nations General Assembly and we are glad that we have continued to make the right calls. But as an independent nation, we cannot simply make a few statements to criticise Israel’s actions; we must draw a clear line on where we stand. There is no neutrality in human rights, only absolutes.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

We thank you, Prime Minister for reading our proposal.

As much as we are disheartened and anguished by the continuous onslaught carried out against the Palestinians, We, the youth of Singapore will continue to speak for peace, justice and truth, and fight for the end of this genocide, apartheid and unjust violence against all of humanity. The security and rightful existence of the Palestinian people is only just the beginning of our pursuit of creating a better, more just and more peaceful world. We hope this proposal will encourage you and our leaders to re-evaluate our nation’s stance in this conflict, and represent what Singapore truly stands for in this world. Together as a nation, let’s step into 2024 with more hope for a better world.

In the succeeding section of this proposal, we have included personal anecdotes collected from various young Singaporeans on why the Palestinian struggle for liberation, peace and justice matters to us, and we hope that it moves you and the government to do more, not only for us as a nation, and as a people, but for the greater good of the world.

This tragedy is personal to us, and it will be personal to the many generations of Singaporeans to come. 

Sincerely

Youth For Peace

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix: Personal Anecdotes from the Youth of Singapore

I remember being shown videos of the Japanese occupation in primary school. I remember the imagery of destruction and death. I still can’t get the image of decapitated heads lined up on a board out of my head. I remember kids cheering at the US dropping nuclear bombs on Japanese civilians. We celebrate Total Defence Day and National Day because we want to remember what happened to us during the days of occupation and colonisation. We do it because we appreciate our independence to be our own state today. This is our history and yet we can’t seem to stand up when the same is happening to other nations. I don’t even feel comfortable using the words ‘same’ because I don’t even know if we can compare what we suffered to the 75 years of occupation Palestinians have and continue to face. Just because it’s not happening to us directly doesn’t mean it doesn’t matter. This is not about ‘religious harmony’ or left or right or ‘importing political discourse’. This is a matter of human lives and crimes against humanity. I’m not asking us to drop bombs on Israel, and I’ll admit that I’m more well versed at expressing my opinions than foreign policy. But I reject neutrality, and I reject apathy.

- D, 26, Student, Chinese, Freethinker 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Olive Tree: A Symbol of Resistance.

Palestinian women were seen crushing olives all the way back in the early 1900’s, long before Israel became a nation. A nation on stolen land. Under the British Mandate, the entire region was known as Palestine. Why the olive tree? Just like how an olive tree is rooted and has the ability to survive in a land where water is perennially scarce, our Palestinian brothers and sisters are also steadfast and rooted to claim their rightful land and peace. Palestinians were forced out of their native land into small zones, Gaza and the West Bank deprived of basic human rights. Walls were illegally built, children brutally murdered, fathers digging their families out from under the rubble and mothers losing their day old child. As a youth in Singapore, I am not able to stand silently and watch the genocide that is unfolding right before my eyes. An ethnic cleansing. A war crime. We, the youths in Singapore and all over the world, are fighting for what YOU, our forefathers have promised us. Yet, YOU turn a blind eye to the massacre of innocent lives. How are we supposed to live without fear when youths our age on the other side of the world are suffering? The Palestinians, the Sudanese and many others are facing oppression. Are we supposed to sit in silence? We need a ceasefire, we need a new constitution. We have not come this far to fail not as a country but as humans. Where is the humanity we fought for? Where is the humanity we were taught? I call for a ceasefire now and forever.

- S.I, 24, Student, Javanese, Muslim

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

I don’t want to live in a world where our world leaders put human rights and human dignity at the bottom of their priority list. The 21st century should be a century of freedom, happiness and peace. I don’t want my kids to be born into a world where people are still enslaved, oppressed and threatened daily. I care about people even if they are far away from where I live, and I see this as a personal responsibility and mission to fight for peace and justice.

- G, 25, Student, Chinese, Buddhist 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Palestinians are individuals just like us with the same hopes & dreams, each with a life story to tell & cherished as someone important to another. Some of us get to be born into sweetness, but no human life is ever more important than another. Together, we can do so much more. Let’s stand for humanity. 

- M, 25, Student, Chinese/Japanese, Buddhist

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

I refuse to live in a world where the people in power whom I trusted and voted for are acting against my moral principles. Singapore has consistently upheld a stance of promoting peace, diplomacy, and adherence to international law. Our nation's foreign policy is anchored in principles of justice and respect for human rights. Hence, when this crisis involving unbelievable human rights violations arises on the global stage, it becomes essential for Singapore to take a principled stand. After PM Lee made this statement: “...particularly I think the Muslim population in Singapore are very agitated about it because there's a certain feeling of empathy and compassion, particularly closely felt for the Palestinian cause. And it's completely understandable.” It made me, a Muslim Singaporean myself, question if I would view this issue differently if I was of a different religion. I highly doubt that I would feel less strongly about it. It is very clear now that the crisis is no longer based on religious beliefs. Learning facts about the history of the land (very accessible information, if I may add), the evidence is as clear as day as to who the victims are in this crisis, not just in Gaza but the whole of Palestine. It matters to me because the condition and severity of this crisis have been worsening since forever. I feel so helpless and always wonder what can I do to accelerate the end of this violence. It is ridiculous how it has been decades that this crisis has been going on with very few interventions. Is there no hope for Palestine; is there no hope for humanity? I feel that it is my duty and responsibility to be accountable for how I choose to use my voice and take a tougher stance on a crisis like this. 

- S, 21, Student, Malay, Muslim

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

It matters to me because I don't want to live in a world where I am made to see what those in power want me to see and made to believe what they want me to believe. I want those who are not in favour of the power, those who have 'no benefit' to the world powers have a chance to live in this world as we are and not to be abandoned by politics, they deserve everything good in the world just as we do. The truth should not have double standards, there should only be one truth. Singapore is a nation fighting hard to survive since the beginning, just because Palestine is far away from us, it does not mean it is not relatable to us. Everyone is part of this group called humankind and we all should do our job to protect it. 

- Y.F, 25, Student, Chinese, Freethinker  

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

No one deserves to be treated without the respect for the dignity of their lives. As fellow human beings living in an interconnected world, we have to support and fight for those around us who are suffering. This issue concerns millions of people and I can’t imagine the repercussions and the trauma that generations of Palestinians will have to go through in years to come. I really want our leaders to stand up for justice and do something to call for a ceasefire. Time is running out; we need a ceasefire. 

- SJ, 25, Student, Chinese, Buddhist   

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Buildings are bombed, bodies are stuck under rubble and people stripped away from basic necessities such as food and water.  Despite all these atrocities, the call for ceasefire is still under debate. People are continuously suffering and losing lives. How much more needs to happen until a ceasefire is certain? As the eyes witness this devastating reality, it is the heart that seems blinded to the urgency of ending this humanitarian conflict. This critical moment has the potential to significantly shape our understanding of humanity and peace. 

- H.T, 26, Student, Malay, Muslim

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

It matters to me, because I refuse to live in a world where people tell me other people are inherently evil and there's nothing we can do about it. We can always do something about it. Any action is better than none. It matters to me because my 93 year old grandmother still remembers her life under Japanese occupation, and how she had to seek refuge underground in bomb shelters while surviving for days on nothing but “keledek” (sweet potato). It matters to me first as a humanist, because I empathise with issues that do not directly affect me. And even if I wasn't a Muslim, I know that my morals would have still made me act and speak up on this, because I am human first and foremost, and that's the most important thing of all. Why should it be a " Muslim" issue? Why should the discussion only involve Singaporean Muslim leaders behind closed doors? What kind of message is being implied to the people who live on this island?

- RB, 21, Student, Indian, Muslim

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

I think it is time for leaders/ PM to listen and learn from young activists in Singapore, who are passionate in leading the country not only economically, but humanely and graciously. We have the right to fight for the future we want to live in and it is not too late if current leaders are willing to listen with an open heart and mind. Take a look around the world, we (Singaporeans youths) are not the only ones desperately fighting for our words/opinions to be heard. Or even to be acknowledged. As the most inclusive and informed generation to date, we are empathetic and we recognise that issues of equity and justice transcend every subject, as we gleaned valuable lessons from both the successes and errors of our ancestors. I don’t think I need to write for the Palestinians. With the tons of bombs dropped on Gaza today killing thousands of civilians and displacing millions of Palestinians, for 75 years, the Palestinians have already written to all of us to please acknowledge and recognise their grief and suffering. But I can't help but think about the helplessness of the children waking up every morning to witness dead bodies on the streets, to the point they became numb. Why are people ignoring this horrendous tragedy? Just because we don’t know them personally? I have seen Singaporeans file complaints and publish about mundane things not going their way, and I have also witnessed the same leaders in Singapore taking actions to fix it for them. It is time to make bold demands by collaborating with young empathetic people to protect our future. In this universe, we humans are all we have to depend on, we all have our own struggles, let’s not make it any harder to get through. 

- JLX, 22, Student, Chinese, Atheist

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Who are we to deny the lives of other people? The Ministry of Education in Palestine mentioned that they no longer have children to teach anymore, all the children are dead. Imagine the entire generation of children gone like that. Who are we to say if they have the right to live or not? Everyone has the right to live. It matters to us because we, like them, are also human beings and we cannot just sit by and watch as the world burns around us. How can we be such a successful and educated country and yet basic concepts like compassion or caring for humanity are lost? With all the education provided to us, this is not how a first world country should be behaving like, that shouldn’t be the attitude to have. Indifference is not innocence. All of us have the right to live.

- C, 21, Student, Chinese, Buddhist   

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

With each breath I take, my heart aches deeply, keenly aware of the oppression and robbing of the rights of those similar to me but in distant lands. No one deserves to live in fear, in hunger, in despair. Our lives are deeply intertwined and no one is safe until all of us are. This includes the common person, the children, the animals and the trees. I see you, each of you who gets to read this, as an ally who can create a better world together. Please don’t look away. You have immense power, just as you are, to make an impact on the narrative of the world we live in. 

- Z, 34, Freelancer, Chinese, Buddhist

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

As a young adult in Singapore that is working towards being an educator, the lack of attention given to the current genocide occurring is worrying and concerning, to say the least. I think about how the students view this ongoing genocide and how they might end up feeling that this is the norm because the ministers are not reacting in accordance to the severity of the situation. In Singapore, we see the consequences of this genocide trickle down to our small red dot and we see how Islamophobia and Anti-semitism are growing even more rampant. But I would like to stress that this genocide is bigger and larger than just the effects they have on our country. The loss of lives is something we should not be taking lightly. As an educator, we teach about History and Social Studies and how to assess evidence and speeches to check for bias et. cetera, but it is disappointing that the current ministers are basically making the student's critical thinking skills that the education system has worked so hard to instil in students merely go to waste because we refuse to take a proper stance on things. We are taught that there is never such a thing as a speech that is neutral or a party that is neutral, and indeed I agree because what the ministers are currently saying about how they feel for both sides, is equivalent to choosing to side with the colonisers. As a Singaporean, I want my future to be one where I can live without the fear of a genocide occurring. But with the state of the world we see today, the fear is growing. In fact, Palestinians don't even have the privilege of fearing of the possibility of a genocide because they are already going through it. As a Muslim, I fear I may suffer the same fate as them if this continues. Because at this current point in time, if this were to occur in Singapore, it feels like no PM would be there to support the Muslim community other than making empty speeches about how no side is right or wrong. As a Singaporean that has read about the history of Singapore and how we have been under colonial rule, how can we stand here and watch this play out in front of us without anything to say?

- JR, 22, Student (Educator-to-be), Malay, Muslim

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am devastated by the videos and images coming out of Gaza. I will not stand by and witness the ethnic cleansing of people, regardless of who they are. Every moment of my day spent living is an aching reminder that my freedom is incomplete. I am among thousands and millions of others who share the same hope and dream for a Free Palestine. None of us are free until all of us are free. 

- MD, 32, Educator, Malay, Muslim

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is a matter of lives, innocent lives. They have the right to live in their own land, just like us. They deserve justice after what has been taken away from them; their dreams and hopes. Being in Singapore, as a Singaporean, is a privilege itself. How can we continue living our lives when destruction is happening in front of our very eyes? We need to stand up for what is right, for the Palestinians and to be on the right side of history.   

- A, 24, Student, Chinese, Muslim

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Looking at the news on children, it saddens me that so many opportunities & homes have been taken away from the children. Looking at the children sleeping safe & sound in Singapore have made me realise the government protects this place well. We don’t have to worry about losing our roofs. Parents & children have been separated because of this incident, one can only imagine how devastated to be away from their parents at such an age & to be living in such fear that you may not be able to see your parents again…Looking at what’s happening to the world, I would like to hug everyone I love a little tighter.

- S, 29, Early Childhood Educator, Chinese/Thai, Christian 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is not an issue that discriminates; it can happen to anyone. As global citizens, we cannot afford to be indifferent because people are losing their lives not due to natural disasters or accidents, but rather at the hands of other humans. This makes the tragedy entirely avoidable. It is imperative that our voices are heard by the government, emphasising the need for true representation. Government leaders must grasp the profound impact that events such as war and the massacre of innocent lives have on the youth in places like Singapore. These experiences shape their worldview and influence how they perceive their fellow human beings. The urgency lies in the realisation that humans, despite having a history to learn from, often choose not to learn. The prospect of teaching future generations to normalise such inherent evils and passively witness innocent killings should be vehemently rejected. It is a call to break the cycle, fostering a collective commitment to empathy, justice, and a profound respect for the sanctity of human life.  

- SQ, 23, Student, Chinese, Buddhist   

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

To see thousands of innocent lives being taken away, is heartbreaking to see that we are doing nothing to help them. We preach about humanity rights and fairness, where is it now? Where are the rights of the people of Gaza? Everyday and every second a parent loses their child. They live their lives in terror never knowing when their homes may be bombed. They seek for “shelter” and yet, it is being attacked too. Where do the people of Gaza go? Why are we asking them to flee from their own hometown? It is painful to see children as young as infants going through such terrible and harsh realities that they shouldn’t have to go through in the first place. If we truly believe in human rights, this needs to end now.  

- M.K, 19, Student, Malay, Muslim

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

How many more lives need to be lost and children to be orphaned? War crimes are happening and no one is stopping or calling for a ceasefire. The people are already displaced, starving, aid supplies are not coming in. We cannot stand by a genocide in this day and age. Numbers of death are rising everyday and new attacks are also occurring everyday without fail. Human rights have not been regarded and people are dying. It is time to stop this terrible massacre. 

- Y, 28, Teacher, Turkish, Muslim

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

I studied the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict back in JC in my history classes. I understand the origins and extent of the conflict and its impact on both sides. What I did not expect is that even in 2023, the conflict is still ongoing and has gotten worse where lives are lost everyday. This is appalling to witness and as a human being, I can no longer remain silent on this conflict. To remain silent is to be complicit in this entire situation. Ordinary people like myself who have families and friends that we love are dying everyday, dying for nothing. Even young children are dying. This is unacceptable. Besides humanitarian aid and peace brokering, I believe more should be done by international organisations and countries to stop the ongoing conflict in Gaza before more lives are lost. As a Buddhist, I am taught that everyone inherently possesses the Buddha nature within us and to respect each and everyone as we are all Buddhas. However in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, human lives are treated frivolously where there is no respect given to the dignity of life. I feel deeply for the Palestinians affected and killed in the conflict even though they are far away and I hope that more people can use their voices to bring change to the situation. To allow the conflict in Gaza to continue will create generational trauma for not just the Palestinians but the Israelis. Please, for the sake of humanity and the Palestinians, I hope countries can take concrete measures to end this conflict.

- S, 28, Education Administrator, Chinese, Buddhist

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the face of the ongoing conflict, a plea echoes across borders and hearts for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The innocent children, caught in the crossfire, bear the brunt of this crisis, their dreams shattered amid the chaos. Urgent action is needed to halt the violence, to provide a sanctuary for these young lives yearning for peace. The international community must unite in a collective call for a cessation of hostilities, allowing the children of Gaza to reclaim their right to a childhood, free from the haunting echoes of conflict. Permanent ceasefire now. 

- S.A., 25, Nurse, Arab, Muslim

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

It has been soul-wrenching to look at the news and reading headlines after headlines of the unfathomable genocide that is happening to the people of Gaza in Palestine. Thousands of lifeless bodies covered in blood and dirt dug out from rubbles. Where is the humanity? Distraught parents wailing at the loss of their innocent babies and orphaned children with no one else to seek shelter and comfort from. Where is the humanity? Air strikes destroying homes of the civilians, hospitals, and places of worship. Where is the humanity? It is unacceptable to allow this to continue to happen right before our eyes when we, as a nation, advocate strongly for peace and equality. Palestinians have equal human rights to their own dreams, aspirations and a life free from the river to the sea. I urge us to stand up for humanity. I urge for a ceasefire. 

- T.L, 25, Educator, Chinese, Muslim

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

C and I just feel that it's peculiar that Singapore hasn't spoken out against it condemning the acts of violence. We discussed it quite a bit during the elections too. The leaders of our country should move towards talking about the social issues not just in Singapore but globally. As we advance as a society we have to start looking into the social fabric of things. It's not just all about the economy and governance anymore.

- B & C, 26 & 28, Social workers, Chinese, Freethinker & Christian  

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” 

- Desmond Tutu

To say that I am aghast at current affairs is an understatement and to say that all I am able to do, to show support and solidarity by typing behind a computer screen, disappoints myself beyond belief. I am aggrieved for the people in Palestine, I mourn for the countless souls that left the world believing that this is the most that the world has done for them, and I pray, even when I don’t believe in a higher being. I pray for peace, and I pray for hope. The hope to never have to  feel so helpless and vulnerable, to feel that the world is against me - quite literally- because a good part of the world believes that neutrality is the best option, they show us that when one chooses to be silent, they made the willful choice to turn a blind eye to the suffering and the deaths of many innocent lives. I go to sleep every night wishing we could do more, we should do more. With all that we are blessed with, they deserve more. So. much. More. As Martin Luther King Jr once said “The ultimate tragedy is not the oppressor of cruelty by the bad people but the silence of the good people.”

- G, 27, Educator, Chinese, Freethinker

--------------------------------------------------------------------------