As a Jewish survivor of the Holocaust, I have been asked countless times to speak on the subject of genocide and persecution. And while I am honored to share my story and raise awareness, there is a question that continues to weigh heavily on my heart: why aren’t we listening to the Palestinians?

It’s a question that may make some uncomfortable, but it’s one that needs to be asked. As a society, we tend to focus on the tragedies and injustices that have affected our own communities and people. And while it’s important to remember and honor our own history, it’s equally important to acknowledge and empathize with the struggles of others.

I understand that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is complex and multifaceted. I understand that both sides have suffered and continue to suffer. But as a survivor of one of the greatest atrocities in human history, I cannot stay silent when I see another group of people being marginalized and oppressed.

It’s a bit of an obscenity that I, as a Jewish person, am often asked to speak on this subject. It’s as if my religion and my personal experience automatically make me an expert on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. But the truth is, I am just one person with one perspective. And while my voice may be heard, there are countless others who are not given the same platform.

We cannot continue to ignore the voices of the Palestinian people. We cannot continue to turn a blind eye to their suffering and struggles. We cannot continue to justify the actions of the Israeli government without acknowledging the impact it has on the Palestinian people.

As Jews, we have a long history of persecution and discrimination. We have been victims of hate and violence, and we know the pain of being dehumanized and targeted. And yet, when it comes to the Palestinians, we seem to have forgotten our own history and the lessons it teaches us.

We must remember that the Palestinian people are not just statistics or political pawns. They are human beings with hopes, dreams, and families. They are mothers, fathers, children, and grandparents. They have a right to live in peace and security, just like any other group of people.

I am not saying that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a simple issue with an easy solution. But I am saying that we cannot continue to ignore the voices of the Palestinians in this conversation. We cannot continue to dismiss their experiences and their perspectives.

We must listen to the Palestinians. We must hear their stories and their struggles. We must acknowledge their pain and their humanity. And most importantly, we must work towards a peaceful and just resolution for both sides.

As a survivor of the Holocaust, I know the power of speaking up and standing in solidarity with those who are oppressed. I know that silence only perpetuates injustice. And I know that we have a responsibility to use our voices for good and to speak out against any form of discrimination and persecution.

So, let us not shy away from difficult conversations or uncomfortable truths. Let us listen to the Palestinians and work towards a future where all people, regardless of their religion or ethnicity, can live in peace and dignity.

In the words of Nobel Peace Prize winner and Holocaust survivor, Elie Wiesel, “We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.”

Let us take a stand and listen to the Palestinians. It’s time to break the cycle of violence and build a future of peace and understanding.