Could a peace wristband appeal to those feeling politically homeless?

[Whatnow777]

I think what happened on October 7th is disgusting and honestly my worst nightmare as a mother - if one of my children were captured and tortured like those hostages. I also hate the rise of anti-Semitism in this country. At the same time, I am pro-peace and do feel for those innocent people in Gaza. I’m also anti-Hamas and feel that the regime should be abolished, and I do not want Sharia law in this country.

I have met people wearing ‘Pro Palestine’ bracelets who are anti Istraeli/ anti Jew (I have spoken to said people) and that scares me. (I know it might not be all).

The reason why I am posting this now is I have noticed so many of these wristbands and nothing in support of the Jews, for everything they have gone through /are going through.

My thoughts are that there may be a vast number of people who share my views, who want Jews to be protected in this country, who do not want sharia law in our country, who oppose the extremist acts that have been perpetrated in this country against whoever, and who also wish for peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.

It feels like our voices are not heard because we are not ‘one-sided’ as such, but perhaps are one sided in terms of being against hate and terrorism.

AIBU to think a wristband centred on peace, humanity and opposition to extremism could resonate with people who feel politically homeless in the current debate.

I would also reiterate that I posted to open a discussion on whether it's a good idea. I haven't said I have made anything or that I decided to do it. I value otheers opinions. I wonder if people show such stong views on virtue signalling to those who wear the pro-Palestine symbol.

I wouldn't even notice it. Wearing a bracelet means nothing to me.

My motivations are to show support for those who are suffering and not feeling supported. You are free not to believe that if you wish!

I wanted to ask, do you feel the same way about the pro-palestine bracelet wearers?

Disengaging gets us nowhere too.

I find you one of the most fair and balanced posters, and I agree with you.

I notice someone has mentioned the Peace Poppy. They are sold to support education in peace studies.

I have a regular donation set up to Standing Together, “an Israeli grassroots movement that aims to bring together Arab Israeli and Jewish Israeli communities in the struggle for Israeli-Palestinian peace, equality and social justice.” They are anti-war and aim to bring communities together around practical issues. There are ‘Friends of Standing Together’ branches in the UK and I have a little purple badge I picked up at one of their events.
There are a lot of people on here who are mainly focused on UK antisemitism and who even support the current Israeli government, so this organisation may not appeal to them. But personally I think this movement, even if a very small minority right now, is the best hope for future peace in Israel/Palestine.

Oh yes, I judge them as 'virtue signaling' omnicausers.

Why the reference that you don’t want Sharia law in this country?

If your question is about non-political, non-denomination support for general piece, then why the inclusion of one religions internal arbitration process?

Judaism has the Beth Din, Christians have ecclesiastical courts

I support one secular legal system for everyone in the UK. I oppose any religious or ideological system, from any faith or tradition, that undermines equal rights, individual freedoms, or the rule of law. I also I value Britain’s Christian heritage and would like Christianity to continue to play an important role in our national culture, while ensuring people of all faiths and none are free to live here equally and peacefully... that's it really

Amnesty International have pins, so do Action Aid, One Nation, Mercy Corps, Kids for Peace, and countless more and buying them might be a bit more useful than making your own wristband

That wouldn't be quite the same thing as what I was suggesting, but thank you for your comment. Funnily enough, I have done work for one of those organisations in the past (which are all great organisations).

And FYI the sharia courts here are legally non binding and operate to help muslims draw up wills, negotiate and facilitate divorce plans, advise on important matters they're asked about, but don't actually make rulings. One rule of islam is that muslims must abide by the law of the land they live in.

Why the reference that you don’t want Sharia law in this country?

Dog whistle, was my assumption.

No religious arbitration impacts upon individual rights and freedoms in the UK

They have no bearing above anyone but those who chose to go through them …… actually one could but that is the position of the Christian ecleasiatical
court under the British legal system.

I’ve never seen one of these pro-Palestine bands that you seem to be making out are in wide distribution.
Also bringing your Christian beliefs into it is a total turn off. Not that was particularly interested before but that definitely killed it stone dead.

Valuing the country’s Christian heritage doesn’t say I’m Christian. Britain has an established church, and Christianity has played a central role in shaping our national institutions, traditions and values. The values of which I care for and think are very important to hold on to - the right of all individuals to live peacefully together.

I wouldn't waste your time. Protecting and valuing Jews and Christianity? Filthy prospects on here. Sad but true.

It just seems crazy to me. I would never have thought when I was a child growing up here that this is what it would become.

Honestly? I wish all the religions would keep their gods and books out of our daily lives, keep the terrorism, war mongering and hatred in your places of worship and homes. How about everyone just gets on together instead of hating one another because of a god, deity or skin colour.

I also wish people could live in peace - but I have zero religious leaning. One is not a pre-requisite for the other, and virtually every religion has some lines in it about peace and harmony.

Bringing Christianity into it, as if it’s some saviour to sort it all out because ‘it’s the one based on peace’ gives me the major ick. And the pearl-clutching about what is it all coming to when British people couldn’t give two hoots about Christianity is outdated and naive. I can only imagine you’re a good bit older than me and I’m nearly 50.

A show of solidarity is needed

Thought unfortunately wearing such a bracelet those that so oppose Isreal and the US and hold anti semitic views will step up their vitriol as so many are stupid they have no idea of the politics or what they are supporting it’s become like a cult they have no interest in discussion just proving their are right

There's a lot to unpack here

I never thought this country would turn out the way it is at the moment

But I think some people are very loud and that maybe affects our judgement of what's really going on

We can't know 100% because we can't know what everyone is thinking!

Do you live in a place that has a very specific political leanings?

I don't think a bracelet is going to help basically.

Thank you, I will look into that.