Stop Going About "Business as Usual"
The Copywriter Column #79
The online marketing space is an interesting scene.
It’s filled with people from all kinds of backgrounds with every political, religious, and ethnic identity known to humankind.
Opinions are expressed, views are opposed, and battles war on, but at the end of the day, it’s almost always understood (and respected) that behind the layers — we’re all just human beings doing our best.
That’s why, this week, I found it fascinating that some people chose to go about “business as usual” despite there being individuals in our online marketing communities whose lives have been turned upside-down.
It was disheartening to see people on X (formerly known as Twitter) readily promoting their brand’s sales, talking about their self-centered morning routines, and sharing memes, but not once acknowledging the travesty taking place in the eastern Mediterranean.
In case you’ve been living under a rock, the terrorist organization Hamas invaded Israel this week and slaughtered innocent human lives.
Hamas was (and is) indiscriminate in its brutality, murdering and taking hostage people of all ages including babies, pregnant women, children, teenagers, men, women, and even the elderly.
Although I’m familiar with the conflicts in the Middle East, I would never claim to be an expert or fully knowledgeable of the latest developments. That said, if you want a big-picture perspective, this history of the conflict might be helpful (BBC).
It’s necessary to mention, too, that the ripple effects of what’s happening in Israel and Gaza are felt in Jewish and Palestinian communities across the world.
Anti-semitism, which was already on the rise, is only worsening as a result of the conflict. Jewish communities in the U.S. alone are under an increased threat.
Unfortunately, anti-Palestinian sentiments are growing around the world as well because some people assume all Palestinians support Hamas (it’s like saying all Muslims are terrorists after 9/11).
And if you’re like me and feel completely defeated and overwhelmed by your inability to have any kind of meaningful impact on the situation, then I say, never underestimate the effect of one small act of kindness.
That said, here are a few things you can do to help:
Check-in on your Jewish friends and neighbors. Whether they’re close personal friends or even online acquaintances, letting them know you see them and support them can make the world of a difference.
Check-in on your Palestinian friends and neighbors. Same situation as above.
Put your money where your mouth is. It might seem feckless, but your monetary donations can have a significant impact. Here are a couple of organizations and causes worth donating to via Jake Cohen, VP at Klaviyo:
Magen David Adom – Medical/Blood Services to IDF soldiers, like the Red Cross.
Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund – Humanitarian/Medical care for Gaza's children.
Friends of IDF – Support to IDF soldiers during/after conflict.
Save the Children – Emergency Services for Children in West Bank and Gaza.
Jewish Agency for Israel – Emergency aid for victims of terror.
Islamic Relief USA – Food, water, and healthcare for families in Gaza.
See a more extensive list of organizations to donate to here
Educate yourself. Honestly, don’t just read headlines on popular news websites. Instead, dig deeper and get a better understanding of what’s happening. Read stories. Learn about how this is impacting actual human lives so you can respond in a more impactful way.
Again, I don’t begin to claim I know the first thing to do to help, but as someone with years of experience in the nonprofit sector, I do know the impact donations have when it comes to providing relief.
And if all you want to offer are thoughts and prayers, that’s fine. But the best thing to remember is that “thoughts and prayers” have legs — yours.
Get them moving.
Please share this post or at least repost Jake Cohen’s tweet here.
Like what you read? Give this post a like, leave a comment, and help spread the word on your network. I’d greatly appreciate it!
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