I attended a fundraising event over the weekend with my bestie. It was different from my normal activities, however, I could not decline the invite, simply because of the honesty in it.
Convo between me and my bestie. Please ignore the typos; we don't correct errors when we're texting each other🤷♀ ...
We just need the gist, then it's "A" ok!
Me: (On Friday)
Bestie:
Me:
Bestie:
Me: (on Saturday)
I mean, how could I say no to such an honest invite, heh?
My pet peeve is someone trying to sell me a load of sh*t as cake...
I'd rather know the truth, and make my own decisions.
Suppose she had tried to give me a false impression, by selling it to me as the event of my lifetime?
I would have said NO and would have missed what turned out to be a worthy cause.
The fundraising event was a bitter-sweet one; A humanitarian effort to help people in Palestine, especially children, who are mentally, emotionally, and physically affected by Israel's Occupation. I got the chance to meet and hear stories from Palestinians who climbed mountains (one of the highest in fact; Kilimanjaro) to get this far, to the UK, even if temporarily through the organization. The stories of intense military checkpoints even to run short errands made me appreciative of my freedom, simultaneously making me empathize with the psychological traumas and lasting effects that strict regimes might have on individuals.
Can you imagine living in fear and humiliation every day?
It made me pause to think just how different one's life can be, simply by where one is born?
I couldn't help but wonder if I would have coped and survived my childhood, teenage years, and adulthood under such oppressive systems.
The charity, if anyone is inclined to check; the Ghirass Centre , helps with the promotion of children's rights and provision of equal opportunities, mental and psychological support, and facilitating of a cultural hub for children and young adults to live a near-normal life doing activities such as art and craft, and dance, to maintain cultural traditions. A video was presented, and it was uplifting to see kids happy and smiling despite environmental and situational struggles.
The irony of the event was the performing comedian, Ivor Dembina, a Jewish man, who made a successful attempt at injecting humour and some light on the dire situation.
His main message which was delivered comically:
"Be critical! Not just because you belong in a community, blindly believe everything that's going on. Open your eyes... Stand up for people who are being oppressed, the weak people." - Ivor Dembina
I concur with what was said and took a moment to digest it all. Still, I like the fact that he poked fun and got Palestinians to laugh.
Even if we all cannot help worthy causes like these, it's a chance for us to use it as motivation and gratitude for our lives when we sometimes feel like the world is going against us.
The entire event was food for thought, moments of gratitude, and a needed reminder for me to keep my chin up, despite any challenges that I might face.
A lot is happening in the world, and taking time to appreciate the little things are what matters most.
It was a great weekend spent with my precious bestie, and I was happy that I was able to offer her support by just being present, as this is a charitable effort that's dear to her.
Do you have a best friend? Do you have honest and open communication with each other, even if it's not positive feedback? Are you one to donate and help charities that aim to help the disadvantaged ones in society?
Even though my bestie might get bored at formal events to highlight the efforts and shine some light on the charity, it's a charity that's dear to her. She has welcomed persons on exchange programs into her home, and for many years she continues to give a helping hand and does good deeds for the charity. I might not be in a position to help in an instrumental way, but I do try to offer moral support whenever possible.
Thanks for reading, and if anyone who like additional information, feel free to ask, and I'll try to answer.
Images are mine