By Usama Nicola, Bethlehem, Palestine, August 2025

Here in Palestine, we feel the weight of the madness every day. The news is not something distant for us, it is our streets, our homes, our neighbors’ tears. Each morning, we wake to the echo of uncertainty, and each night we lie down with the heavy knowledge that tomorrow may bring more loss. The air feels thick with grief, and the heart grows weary from holding so much sorrow.

And yet, there is something else that keeps us going. Across the miles, beyond walls and checkpoints, I hear and see a growing solidarity.

More and more people around the world are demonstrating even if they’re carried off to jail, even at great personal cost. Many human beings are waking up to caring for those they do not know. This awakening of hearts is the one light in the midst of the darkness.

It is in the voices chanting for justice in most of the city squares around the world, in the young people painting murals of hope on broken walls, in places of worship lifting the same prayers for peace with justice. These acts may seem small to some, but to us they are a reminder that we are not alone, that the truth of our struggle is reaching ears and touching hearts.

When you live under occupation, you often hear the language of dehumanization, words that strip away dignity, policies that erase history, actions that ignore the sanctity of life. But solidarity pushes back against that. It says: Your life matters. Your story matters. Your freedom matters. In a world where injustice often has the loudest microphone, the quiet but steady beat of compassion and truth is powerful.

Solidarity is not charity; it is not pity. It is a shared recognition that our liberation is tied together. It is the understanding that oppression anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. When people stand for Palestine, they are standing for the principle that no one should live under siege, that no one should be displaced, that no one should go hungry, that no child should go to sleep to the sound of bombs, that no mother should bury her son because of politics and power.

I think often of the image of a heartbeat. A heartbeat is constant, steady, and life-giving. Around the world, there are hearts still beating for justice and that rhythm gives strength to our own. It may not change the facts on the ground overnight, but it changes something deep within us: it strengthens our resolve, nurtures our hope, and reminds us that the struggle is worth continuing.

The weight of the madness can be crushing, but solidarity lifts some of that weight. It is like a hand reaching through the darkness, saying, “I see you. I will not look away.” And in moments when despair tries to take hold, those voices and actions become a lifeline.

So, to all who march, speak out, write, pray, create, and refuse to be silent, know that your heartbeat is heard here. It is felt in the refugee camps, in the olive groves, in the narrow streets of our towns. Your courage and compassion ripple far beyond what you can see.

The day will come when justice flows like a river in this land. Until then, we will keep going, carried, in part, by the knowledge that somewhere in the world, your heart is still beating for justice.

For those who wish to remain connected with our journey and kindly support our ongoing storytelling from Bethlehem, I share regular reflections on my Patreon page.

https://patreon.com/BethlehemUpdates

With heartfelt regards from Bethlehem,

Usama

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About the Author

Usama is a Palestinian civil society activist, husband, and father of three, rooted in the ancient and resilient city of Bethlehem. He brings together his love for people, justice, and faith in everything he does. His writing flows from the lived realities of Palestinians under occupation, grounded in both hope and heartbreak, and carried by a deep commitment to human dignity and spiritual reflection.

Bethlehem the city where heaven met earth is not only Usama’s birthplace, but also the heart of his mission. For him, it is a sacred place where history, struggle, and faith meet; a city that teaches him daily about rootedness, resistance, and radical love. His stories rise from this soil, offering readers an invitation to listen deeply, reflect honestly, and act justly.

Through his Patreon page, Usama shares regular reflections, updates from Bethlehem, and spiritual insights, building a global circle of solidarity and learning. His hope is to warm hearts, challenge comfort, and remind people everywhere that even in places of sorrow, life still grows.

Support Usama’s writing ministry and family by subscribing to Bethlehem Updates as a generous supporter.