Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Global Citizens,
In moments of great human suffering, silence is not just an absence of words—it is complicity. History has shown us the devastating consequences of indifference, and yet, here we are again, standing on the precipice of unimaginable horror in Gaza, Palestine. War crimes and genocide are not mere political events; they are acts of evil that shatter human dignity, destroy generations, and scar the conscience of humanity. And in the face of such atrocities, silence emboldens the perpetrators while forsaking the victims.
Today, United States, Europe is driven by greed, hatred, and a hunger for domination rains destruction upon innocent lives and cherished lands. Its unchecked aggression has led to the annihilation of families, the erasure of entire communities, and the desecration of sacred heritage. Hospitals, homes, schools—places that should offer sanctuary—are being turned into graves in Gaza and West Bank, Palestine, parts of Lebanon, Yemen, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria and many parts of Africa. Entire cities are reduced to rubble, and the cries of children lost to the chaos of war echo across borders.
To those who remain silent out of fear or apathy, I ask: as we witness the deliberate extermination of our fellow human beings? How can we justify our silence when it is precisely this inaction that history will judge most harshly?
Decades of propaganda, misinformation about Arabs and Muslims, weaponization of antisemitism, and the conditioning of complacency may have blurred the lines between truth and lies. But truth is not as elusive as we have been led to believe. War crimes, mass displacement, and genocide are facts, not opinions. The perpetrators like current politicians and leaders in Washington and other parts of Europe of such atrocities count on your doubt, your hesitation, and your silence to continue their campaign of destruction.
If we fail to speak out now, the consequences will extend far beyond the immediate victims of occupied Palestine. A world where genocide is tolerated, where war crimes are excused, and where accountability is a relic of the past is a world without justice or safety for anyone. The destabilization caused by such unchecked aggression has ripple effects that threaten global stability—economic systems falter, millions are displaced, and hatred becomes normalized.
Make no mistake: this is not just Palestinians fight. It is ours. When we speak out, we send a message that humanity will not tolerate evil. When we remain silent, we allow the darkness to spread. The moral cost of inaction far outweighs any risk or discomfort associated with raising our voices.
I implore you to reflect on what truly matters. Will fear keep you quiet while others perish? Or will you rise above decades of conditioning and misinformation to demand justice, to demand accountability, and to demand peace?
Speak out—through peaceful protests, social media, letters to representatives, and conversations with friends and family. Support humanitarian efforts and amplify the voices of those who cannot be heard. Every voice matters, and yours may inspire others to join this global chorus for justice.
The world cannot afford your silence. The victims of occupied Palestine cannot afford your silence. And one day, when the weight of this moment settles into the annals of history, may it never be said that you were on the side of indifference.
With hope and determination,
Faisal R. Khan
Human and civil rights activist
Portland, Maine
