When the Russian invasion of Ukraine occurred, Sylvie—my French friend—called me to express her shock and fear for Europe’s future, and out of a desire to know my position. I was direct and somewhat unsettling when I told her:
“Sylvie, ask me about Palestine and I will answer you. I feel personally concerned with Palestine and the tragedy of the Palestinian people. As for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it does not concern me, and Europe’s fate is not something I think about, nor will I burden myself with anger or outrage over what is happening there. Yes, it is a war, I know that, but I have no connection with Russians or Ukrainians, and the only thing my sense of humanity dictates is to hope that the war ends—nothing more.
But for you to ask me to show solidarity or sign petitions condemning Russia, I will not do that. I don’t know how to explain my position to you: I have a heart, but my conscience reacts more strongly to the occupation of Palestine by the Zionists than it does to the suffering of Ukrainians. I understand your acceptance of Ukrainian refugees and your refusal to welcome Muslim refugees from Syria, Yemen, and elsewhere… And frankly, I myself would have refused Ukrainian refugees and accepted Muslim ones. The wheel turns, and the accumulation of injustices freezes feelings of sympathy and compassion. Do you understand me?”
Sylvie answered me with great seriousness:
“Yes, I understand you, Afaf. Ukrainians have those who protect them, whereas the Palestinians have no one.”
