This is Katie talking. On behalf of A Little Beacon Blog. I didn’t think ALBB needed to make a statement, but it seems like one is needed now that we entered with any coverage at all after we shared that a protest was scheduled. So here goes.

My favorite thing about Beacon is that I could even type and post this post. Because this community is so varied. I know we will make it through together. That is my favorite part about Beacon.

Firstly: if you are a new reader here, Welcome. A Little Beacon Blog is not your average blog. We do talk about sunshine ☀️ and rainbows 🌈 , but we also talk about discomfortable things. This especially started for us in 2020 with COVID and Black Lives Matter. Since those coverages, we have gotten into a few scrambles with people. Justified or not. So if you are here for food photos, you are going to get other things you weren’t expecting. Keep reading so you get comfortable.

Secondly: Hamas murdered people and taking hostages is a crime. The history of Hamas is not what one would want as their political party. PS: I am of no political party! Not that it matters but in case you wondered. Registered with none of them.

Thirdly: Life as a Palestinian is deprived and oppressed. With the cutting off of essential utilities of water, electricity, fuel, first aid trucks, over 2 million Palestinians are also hostages.

Fourthly: The Jewish community has such deep, deep trauma, that kicks in justified fear, that no words can bring them comfort if words are spoken in support of Palestine. I understand that. But I can’t not say the words. You might call me terrible words. I’d like to tell you those words aren’t true. But it doesn’t matter because we would get into an endless comment spat.

Oh btw: after I put up a prayer hands for Palestine in IG Stories - a 24 hour place that disappears - a random woman called me from a 917 number. She tracked down my number and wouldn’t listen to anything I said. Just what she wanted to tell me about terrorists and babies. Do you think that made me feel safe?

Fifthly: The best thing we can do is start talking about this. All of our fears. It will be ugly. But maybe, just maybe, speaking these things to each other might just might bring some healing. But you might say: “I don’t want to heal. I want to protect. My life is in danger. I have to hide my beautiful religion.” This is why we should talk about these things.

Hear all voices please. ♥️💕