Humanizing Lebanon, Coates on Palestine, the Counter-Revolution in Sudan
Plus, ableist violence from Uber an the police
Hi all,
Please consider supporting what we do at KTF Press, helping people resist the idols of the White, American church through discipleship and political education. We want to model how to have real friendship and community across our differences and seek Jesus together as we confront injustice. Join us!
Our highlights this week include:
- Humanizing Lebanese People as Israel Invades
- Ta-Nehisi Coates on Israel and Palestine
- Understanding the War in Sudan
- Ableist Violence against a Blind Woman by Uber and the Police
- And Jonathan keeps us grounded with art that makes him both cry and laugh
Jonathan’s Recommendations
Humanizing Lebanese People as Israel Invades
I watched a reel of children from Gaza collecting money for children in Lebanon as Israel’s violence spreads to that country. These kids reminded me of the beauty of humanity amidst so much pain and suffering. The United States is at war again in the Middle East through its support of Israel’s genocide in Gaza, campaign against the Houthis in Yemen, fiery operations in Syria and Iraq, and escalating violence against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Caught in the crosshairs are millions of men, women, and children facing death, destruction, and displacement. Lebanon, a country of about six million people, is rich in culture, history, and tradition. Contrary to narratives spread by dominant media corporations, its people are not a monolith or dangerous terrorists. Just as we resist the dehumanization of Palestinians, so must we commit to the same for the Lebanese. There is nothing in recent history that suggests a de-escalation or ceasefire is close. I am grieved innocent people flee for their lives. It is incumbent upon followers of Jesus, and all who believe that peace cannot grow on soil soaked in innocent blood, to pray, seek, and pursue peace in every context. Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers." We must walk in that blessedness with the steadfast certainty that love is the better way.
Ta-Nehisi Coates on Israel and Palestine
As part of his press tour for his latest book, The Message, Ta-Nehisi Coates had two notable interviews with the morning show for CBS and with Jon Stewart on The Daily Show. I am still reading the book, but the largest section of it is about Coates’ trip to Israel and his comparison of the Apartheid there to Jim Crowe and other similar hierarchies. In the first interview, CBS host Tony Dokoupil attempted to discredit Coates and his book, using accusations of bias and textbook trolling that characterizes the mainstream media's response to the October 7 attacks. The talking points are tired and tragic, but Coates remained unmoved, responding with admirable clarity and tact. In contrast, Stewart approached the conversation with the necessary intellectual and emotional engagement to meet the moment. In these settings, Coates embodied everything I aspire to be under immense stress and pressure. His demand for justice and command of the space, even amidst significant tension or challenge, was a wonder to behold. I pray for him, I’m grateful for him, and we should all aspire to communicate in a similar way.
Sy’s Recommendations
Understanding the War in Sudan
A recent podcast from Truth Out featured an interview with Nisrin Elamin and Yusra Khogali, two Sudanese organizers currently in academia in Canada. They explain the history and nature of the war raging in Sudan since April of last year, and why it’s important for everyone to know about. With over eight million people displaced, the war has created the largest refugee crisis in the world. On top of that, Western media often characterizes the conflict as a civil war, but the truth is it’s a counter-revolution. The fight is between elite factions struggling to consolidate power after overthrowing the revolutionary democratic forces which successfully toppled the nation’s long-time dictator. The interview also covers the country’s Neighborhood Resistance Committees, a remarkable network of thousands of local groups that coordinated the revolution and currently provide services and humanitarian aid. The guests want anyone who can to give to these committees directly through PayPal. Please listen to the interview and give financial support some thought. The work these committees are doing is powerful, and learning about what’s going on in Sudan is crucial for those of us whose media pays little attention when US interests aren’t directly affected.
Ableist Violence against Blind Woman by Uber Driver and the Police
Ronza Othman is a blind, Muslim attorney who I’ve interacted with on a few occasions through a network of lawyers that is part of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). She recently wrote a story that was published in the NFB’s main publication, the Braille Monitor. It’s about a terrifying encounter with ableist discrimination and the police she had in July of 2023. The short version is an Uber driver illegally refused a ride to Othman’s co-passenger after he realized they had a guide dog—a frequent occurrence when blind people use ride sharing apps. The driver then attempted to physically pull the blind passenger and the dog out of the car. When that didn’t work, he called the police and falsely told them Othman had a weapon. They approached the vehicle with the hijab-wearing Othman inside, barking orders with guns drawn. Othman was barely able to convince the police to let her retrieve her white cane from the floor of the car before they made her get out. The police then refused to charge the driver with assault, and Uber kicked Othman off its platform after the driver filed a complaint. What I’ve recounted is not even close to all of the infuriating details. Neither Uber nor Law enforcement have taken any action regarding this story (except, of course, banning Othman from Uber). It’s a story about the danger people can find themselves in simply for insisting on their rights, particularly when those rights fly in the face of multiple intersecting hierarchies of identity. I hope you can lament with me and share the story widely.
Staying Grounded with Jonathan
This sculpture of a partially abstract, partially hollow person is one of the most powerful depictions of grief and loss that I have ever encountered. What you don’t see is as powerful as what you do. As I reflect on all the losses that we are witnessing in the news and experiencing personally, I imagine that many of us are walking around with a collective gaping hole within ourselves. We need to grieve but it doesn’t feel like there is enough time, space, or tears for everything. At the same time, I waited for months in anticipation of the kick-off of SNL’s 50th Season because I desperately wanted to laugh. Humor nourishes me in the same way that tears do. There is a release and a connection in both. To laugh and to cry takes being present to myself and others. Perhaps that is why Jesus calls us to mourn and rejoice. I pray that you can do both today, tomorrow, and always.
Thanks for reading, and see you next week!
Jonathan and Sy