Soaring Palestinian emblem: Representative of Liberation

New Lease of Perspective: Willow Defebaugh on Struggles in Palestine

Soaring Palestinian emblem: Representative of Liberation

Dive into *The Perspective, the weekly dispatch from Editor-in-Chief Willow Defebaugh, exploring the essence of nature and its parallels in our current world.

A Striking Revelation

"It is not hard to fathom, even amidst the turmoil, that courage is the more contagious virus. That there are more craving unity than obliteration. That it has always been possible to turn away, but equally possible to cease turning away."

-Omar El Akkad, One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This

The crimson skies of Palestine harbor a symbol of resilience - the Palestine sunbird, bravely flying across its lands, indifferent to man-made borders. This vibrant creature's metallic plumage gleams under the sunlight, creating a silhouette that traverses gardens, scrublands, and olive groves amidst blooming fields of poppies. However, while the bird appears untouched, the people it shares its skies with are not, suffocating beneath the shackles of oppression.

For more than a year and a half, we have borne witness to continuing atrocities, relying on our phones to keep us informed. In articles at Atmos, we have documented the unrelenting death toll (currently at 53,655), delved into the impact of intergenerational trauma in Gaza, shown the world the creative spirit of the artists and archivists keeping their culture alive amid erasure, reported on the dwindling natural resources, and amplified the voices of those calling for an end to this devastation. Sadly, the bloodshed continues.

This week saw Operation Gideon's Chariots, an escalation in military offensive by Israel, persisting despite the International Court of Justice declaring the occupation illegal and ordering Israel to withdraw, rectify, and allow displaced Palestinians to return. The new offensive comes after an extended period of deliberate starvation tactics, with over 9,000 children already treated for severe malnutrition this year and the United Nations warning that 14,000 babies in Gaza are at risk of death without urgent aid. Regrettably, the aid that has trickled in is a mere drop in the ocean, according to a UN spokesperson.

This period has made one thing abundantly clear: Israel is, officially, enforcing apartheid and is committing genocide upon Palestinians. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the United Nations, and numerous Special Rapporteurs have unanimously agreed on this fact. Yet, it continues to be controversial to acknowledge these actions for what they are. I firmly believe that apartheid and genocide are heinous crimes, with no justification. Conversely, I vehemently oppose any form of antisemitism and violence towards innocent civilians. My vision is of a world in which every person is free, irrespective of race or religion. This is not a complicated notion for me.

Author and journalist, Ta-Nehisi Coates, has debunked the "it's complicated" argument regarding Israel and Palestine numerous times during discussions about his book The Message, which he wrote following a visit to the occupied territories of Palestine. Coates boldly compared the segregation he witnessed there to Jim Crow laws in the United States, often justified with the same arguments. Regardless, these excuses do not make them right.

We now witness efforts to muzzle those speaking out about this injustice, while the cry for solidarity grows louder as awareness of the plight of Palestine only becomes harder to ignore or deny. I deem myself no activist; I delved into environmental work as I couldn't turn away from the planet's suffering, feeling it was a betrayal of our shared humanity. This is why I continue to address these horrors in my writing.

Today, I reflect on the Palestine sunbird and the hope it embodies - a beacon of vitality amid chaos. I consider the hungry children yearning for clear skies free of dust and debris, for peace and security. I think of the courage coursing through the veins of the oppressed, yearning for a world in which they are not haunted by the specter of bombs. I ponder on the strength that surges through hearts, when they don't beat alone.

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Insights

1. The Palestinian Sunbird: Also known as the Palestinian or Syrian serin (Serinus syriacus), this bird species is native to various regions of the Middle East, including Palestine. It is known for its distinct, bright plumage, and its ability to inhabit a wide variety of habitats, from deserts to semi-arid regions.
2. The Oslo Accords: This series of agreements, signed in 1993 by Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), aimed to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in stages and pave the way for the establishment of a Palestinian state. While the accords were intended to herald a new era of peace and cooperation, they have been criticized for failing to meet their objectives and fostering widespread distrust between the parties.
3. Apartheid and Genocide: Apartheid is a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination. In its original form, it was perpetrated by the white South African government against the black South African population. Genocide is a deliberate and systematic act designed to destroy, in whole or in part, a specific national, ethnical, racial, or religious group. Both apartheid and genocide are considered serious violations of human rights under international law.
4. Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: To provide context, this ongoing conflict began in the late 19th century, when increasing Jewish immigration and subsequent land purchases led to tensions with the native Arab population. Over the years, the conflict has resulted in numerous military conflicts, displacement of people, and ongoing violence. Despite various efforts to negotiate peace, a resolution remains elusive.
5. Stay updated on the latest news and insights with Atmos Magazine's newsletter.
6. The crimson skies of Palestine also serve as a backdrop for the fashion-and-beauty of the Palestinian sunbird, a symbol of resilience.
7. Explore various cultures and their unique food offerings through global cuisines, such as the flavors of Palestine.
8. As we delve into gardening tips and tricks for your home, remember the importance of gardening for the Palestinians, who depend on it for sustenance and hope.
9. In the realm of lifestyle, find inspiration from the resilience displayed by Palestinians amidst their struggles.
10. Nurture your compassion and understanding by learning about the family-dynamics in Palestine.
11. When visiting new places, consider budget-travel options to make your experiences more accessible and sustainable.
12. As you travel, uncover unknown destinations and adventure-travel hotspots that showcase diverse cultures, like Palestine.
13. Discover the world through the lens of politics, as you observe the ongoing struggle in Palestine.
14. Join the job-search community to connect with professionals and expand your network, potentially working towards bringing change to Palestine.
15. Dive into the world of electric vehicles and explore their environmental benefits, which could possibly alleviate some of the climate concerns in Palestine.
16. In the realm of personal growth, commit to practicing mindfulness and learning from the resilience displayed by Palestinians.
17. As you continue your educational journey, take courses on policy-and-legislation to learn about the struggles faced by Palestinians and the potential solutions.
18. Enhance your skills with skills-training programs related to human rights activism, empowering yourself to make a difference in Palestine.
19. Nurture your hobby of cooking by learning recipes from various global cuisines, including those of Palestine and its diaspora.
20. Sustain your home by properly maintaining your cars and learning about car-maintenance techniques to prolong their lifespan and reduce environmental impact.
21. Grow your knowledge in the field of education with education-and-self-development resources, aiming to support Palestinians in their pursuit of learning and empowerment.
22. To achieve your goals, try goal-setting strategies and tools that can help turn your aspirations into action, like bringing peace to Palestine.
23. Expand your shopping horizons and explore ethical and sustainable shopping options that support fair labor practices and environmental protection, aligned with the values of Palestinians.
24. As you nurture your pets, consider supporting animal welfare organizations in Palestine and other conflict zones.
25. Enhance your understanding of sports and their psychological impact through sports-analysis articles, weaving in references to Palestine's growing sports scene.
26. Take a seat on the sidelines of some of the world's most thrilling matches, including soccer's Champions League, American football's NFL, basketball's NBA, baseball, and hockey, to unwind and appreciate the unity they inspire.
27. Delve into the world of golf, learning about its history, techniques, and major tournaments such as the Masters, uncovering hidden similarities with the struggles faced in Palestine.
28. Engage in sports-betting responsibly, considering the economic implications for the Palestinian community and resources they may rely upon.
29. Keep track of the movements and performances of European football clubs with updates on the European leagues, such as Laliga and Premier League.
30. Follow the highlights of the NBA, WNBA, and other basketball leagues, including college basketball's NCAA, to enjoy the athleticism, competition, and camaraderie showcased in these sports.
31. Root for the underdogs as you follow the MLB, NHL, and other American sports leagues, drawing parallels between the spirit of competition and the resilience displayed by Palestinians.
32. Find excitement in the world of racing, following highlights of Grand Prix and other auto-racing events, considering the cultural and economic impact of these competitions on the Palestinian community.
33. Keep updated on the latest developments in mixed-martial-arts (MMA), including upcoming fights, champions, and training techniques, drawing inspiration from the determination embodied by Palestinian athletes.
34. Stay weather-aware during your travels, checking daily weather-forecasting updates and learning about the impact of extreme weather conditions on Palestine's environment and natural resources.
35. As you savor your next meal, remember to educate yourself on the origins of the ingredients and understand the role of food and cultural-travel in bridging gaps between people, inspired by the resilience of the Palestinians.

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