Palestinians Moving Forward

The Palestinian people have elected a new President. That tells the world that under the duress of a brutal occupation and against all odds, the Palestinian people's will to prosper cannot be defeated.

If you live in the U.S. you will never get a fair account of their story and daily struggles.

I know, the Palestinian people want a better life; they want peace; they want an end to the death and destruction of their lives and future. They voted for a candidate whose message was no violence. Resistance and violence are two separte issues that have been blurred by hate. Security is also no excuse to use inhumane violence against anyone.

As I see it, the Palestinians are under a brutal occupation and ordinary day to day life is difficult so they are reluctant to say anything against supporters of violence. They did speak up at the ballot box. I don't believe there was any corruption within the voting system that took place... nothing that would have rendered a different outcome.

I am Palestinian and have family there that I am in contact with. One way to help remedy the situation should involve a trusted Palestinian leadership connected globally that educates their own first about how to be vocal, organize and defend their just cause. This movement requires a strong base in Palestine and U.S.--where changing the way things are done to effect change can effect results. The movement will not exclude Palestinians all over the world. It requires unification under a strong, clear and solid message. How that message is delivered from within and to the outside world is key.

People need to allow good leadership to lead and recognize that peace with justice requires a willingness to compromise for a better life. What is, is. We cannot change the past. We can make a better life and prosper. It's not enough to express regret and condemnation among ourselves when things go wrong. We have to work to change things.

The violence over the past several years has taken away the essence of our just cause. No matter what your feelings about the violence--it has been instrumental in skewing the facts, blurring the cause and creating strife from within but most of all it results in the homelessness and killing of more of our children. We suffer more. There is no excuse for killing innocent people no matter who they are Israeli or Palestinian--no more children should die. NO MORE CHILDREN SHOULD DIE! What does it take to move a people to effectively make change happen?

As Palestinians, we need to work on ourselves first in order to be effective and create a movement globally with one message. I meet and talk with Palestinians, young and old, all over the world. They are all looking to shed the fear of speaking out but have no vehicle to do so.

In addition, I have been in contact with many Palestinian leaders and organizations that have what it takes. However, something is always holding them back. It saddens and frustrates me. I know exactly what it is that holds us back and I'll write more about it in my next piece. v

Saffiya Shillo