do what you can

The smallest man who ever lived…

~ somethinginthewayshemoves

I’m feeling like I shouldn’t have titled my last post Crazy Little World since it just got a whole lot crazier. The US election results hit me hard. I really struggle to reconcile the fact that so many people actively support that dangerous, hateful man.

I feel scared for the world. I am terrified for the many real people who will be hurt by another Trump presidency. The trend of politics sliding to right horrifies me. I don’t understand why people are so easily conned into hating groups who have done them no harm.

I despair at the inadequacy of our own government. Keir Starmer’s refusal to take action to protect Palestinians, but eagerness to congratulate Trump is cowardly. Under his leadership Labour have become unrecognisable. Their failure to protect the vulnerable in our society is unforgivable. I fear that inaction will lead to a loss at the next general election and throw us back under Tory rule. So far Labour have not done much to offer me hope.

It’s a frightening landscape that I want to improve. The scale of our situation feels overwhelming. Just telling people to vote feels far from sufficient. The truth is I don’t have the answers, I don’t know who does. The best I can do is stay engaged; I will continue to vote at every level, I will protest, sign petitions, get my hands dirty where possible. Right now I feel like supporting organisations who can help those in jeopardy is paramount.

Reproductive rights are under threat. People are dying because they cannot access the medical care they require during pregnancy. Extremist groups based in the US are trying to make inroads into other countries. If you want to keep access to abortion legal/decriminalise it and help people get pregnant people the care they need you can support one of these organisations.

The National Network of Abortion Funds

BPAS

Abortion Rights Scotland

The situation in Palestine continues to grow worse. Israeli aggression remains unrestrained. Cities have been destroyed. People are fighting warfare, starvation & disease to stay alive. A genocide is taking place, if you can please support one of these fundraisers.

Get Haitham’s family to safety.

Hands for Humanity

Medical Aid for Palestine

Although the UK is a relatively rich country, people will suffer this winter. Shelter, food and heat will be a scarcity for many. Please consider giving your support to one of these organisations.

Shelter Scotland

Trussel Trust

Refuweegee

And if somebody hurts you, I wanna fight…

~ somethinginthewayshemoves

As the horrific attacks continue in Gaza it is easy to feel powerless. This month I am asking that you do what you can to help Haitham & his family.

Before October 7th Haitham was studying to be a nurse. He lost his home & place of education in Israeli strikes. He now lives with his parents & siblings in a tent. The family have been displaced many times. Haitham’s dream is to finish his studies & use his nursing kills to help his people. He recently organised a fundraiser to provide essentials & Eid gifts for children living in the tents. He desperately needs our help to get his family to safety.

Haitham’s mum, Tahrer is ill with rheumatic disease. She can not access the treatment & medication that she needs. His Dad, Jibril had a good job and comfortably supported his family. Due to the ongoing bombardment he is no longer able to provide. Multiple displacements have resulted in Haitham’s oldest sister Lenda, her husband & small child have been separated from the family. His younger siblings are living in terror. Haitham has already lost family members. He is raising money to evacuate his family when the Rafah crossing reopens. In the meantime they need our help to cover daily expenses.

If you are able you can make a donation here. Even small amounts add up. If you are unable to give money, you can still help. Please share Haitham’s story with the link to his gofundme. The more people who know his story, the higher the chances of reaching his target.

Haitham and his family are exactly like you & yours. They were going to work & school, having family meals, his younger sibling were safe to play & be children. Their lives have been destroyed through no fault of those own. Please don’t ignore their plight.

Help Haitham & his family reach safety.

Side with the child over the gun…

~ somethinginthewayshemoves

This month I continue to support the people of Palestine with my charitable donations. I still find it extremely difficult to believe that we are witnessing a genocide happen in real time, ignored by most of our leaders.

Watching the videos coming out of Palestine is unbearable. Palestinians are forced to live this horror, so we cannot turn away. This week I have been inspired by the amazing Robyn Boyle and her work with Gaza Genocide Emergency Committee promoting boycotts. To quote Robyn, a boycott is an easy thing to ask of people because in a sense, you’re only asking that they do nothing. Boycotts are a free and simple way to take action. BDS (Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions) are a great resource on who to boycott, with location specific information. Money talks, where you choose to spend yours can have a huge impact.

We must of course also keep pressure on our politicians. They work for us, public opinion is overwhelmingly in support of a ceasefire. It is incumbent upon us to make that clear.

Photo Credit GGECScot

For my part I have also chosen to donate to UNFPA’s ‘Mama Kit’ campaign. A Mama Kit provides essentials for women with newborns in areas affected by natural disasters and conflicts. Gaza is currently severely lacking in food, clean water and medical supplies. One of these kits really could mean the difference between life and death.