On Saturday I went along to the Palestine Cultural Festival here in Melbourne.
Events like these are always such a weird combination of feelings for me.
I go because I want to support Palestinian events and because I’m on this quest to rewire my brain from the zio programming. It’s so helpful immersing myself into Palestinian culture through films, stories and celebrations.
Having said that…I’m also incredibly aware that my presence is not really welcomed by everyone there (for very valid reasons). And the whole time there’s this buzz in my system that’s reminding me that I’m taking up space.
It’s hard to explain but hopefully you can understand my discomfort.
I watched the dancing and the fashion show and then walked around checking out the stalls, but yeah…I was feeling very much as an outsider. Which by the way is how I feel in most situations for other reasons so it’s something I’m used to. But in the Palestinian context with me being an Israeli who served in the IDF it has an even more uncomfortable dimension.
I was just about to leave when I heard that the Lions of Zion gang had arrived. These are those incredibly cringy Zionists that rocked up for the October 7 vigil. Once again they were blasting Israeli music through a giant speaker and gyrating while waving or wearing Israeli flags. Honestly I think they are a gift because they are just so embarrassing to the Zionists.
Anyways, I went to see if I was needed but the cops were speaking with them and eventually they stomped off.
Which meant that I really had no reason to stay.
And just as I was feeling extra weird about being there…this guy came up to me and asked me if I was Israeli.
Him: I think I know you.
Me: Oh. Maybe.
Him: I think I met you at a rally.
Me: Oh that’s probably me. I try to go to most rallies if I can.
Him: No no. Not a recent rally. I think I met you at a rally in 2014!
Me: Really?? Wow! That’s when I FIRST became an anti-Zionist.
Him: You were holding a sign. I’ll never forget it. It said ASHAMED TO BE ISRAELI
Me: That was my first rally!!!!!
Him: It was so special seeing you with your sign. I still have a photo we took together.
Me: Wow! That’s amazing.
Him: I have it on my phone. I’ll send it to you. It means so much to me.
Me: That’s so beautiful. Thank you for telling me. I have had to learn A LOT in the twelve years since then. I feel like I’ve gone to school to change my brain.
Him: I just couldn’t believe you had that sign. Thank you so much.
Me: Thank you for being so kind.
That mini moment was such a balm.
Kindness from “strangers” is really the most wonderful alchemy.
I left Federation Square once again in awe of the love and warmth I receive from those that have every right to hate me.
That’s real serendipity! 💚
Wow that was something special. ❤️