I’m intrigued by this other campaign you mention Iyra, do you have any links to share? I must say though, I’m also a bit wary, as whenever I hear “tools to help build…a culture”, the smell of “development” practices tends to rise up…

there’s a complete restriction of movement of people, movement of goods, medicine, fuel, you name it.
more than 80% of gazans are dependent on food from aid agencies and with no jobs, no prospects, not being allowed to even fish with the sea right next to them is appalling, what can you expect but a complete deterioration and destruction of a peoples way of life?

most of the population is still living in refugee camps from the wars of 48 and 67, these are not proper cities. they were meant as a temporary measures and now there are 3rd and 4th generations of refugees born into that sort of an environment, is this normal?

people comment on the invasion, the rockets, the bombings of schools and apartments, but what about the israeli siege that led to this disaster and the november invasion by israel that broke the ceasefire? hamas didn’t break the ceasefire, check even cnn sources.

for two years the siege was in place. their tears meant nothing to the world.

In all fairness and context, I’ve designed several posters and campaigns for many oppressed groups in my career. I’ve supported my father in his work with Sri Lankan refugees, and have spent much time in central europe working with groups there.

More relevant to your questioning however, I’m making this statement within the sphere of my own influence and context. Israel is strongly backed by the governments of North America, the same can’t be said about the other conflicts you mention. Though protest may raise awareness to these issues, any action derived from it on these shores won’t have too much of an impact in Sri Lanka. The eyes of the world are fixed on the crisis in the middle east right now (and I’ll agree with you, perhaps to the detriment of other humanitarian crisis), hence its an effective and imperative time to mobilise people.

As to the issue of apartheid, I applaud the Israeli’s decision to withdraw from Gaza. It was a noble and difficult thing to do. However, that doesn’t change the fact that the conditions of living for the people of Gaza are horrific, and that these conditions are largely the result of Israeli policies. I’m not going to get into a full blown discussion of what apartheid means, but if you look it up, you’ll find that it largely applies. Physical and social segregation, control of material resources, infringement of individual and collective freedoms, targetted violence, etc…