StarryCrossing

Protests against Trump’s immigration plan rolling in more than 30 cities

Protesters marched, chanted and waved signs across the nation Sunday as angry immigrant advocates pressed their demand for an end to President Trump’s executive order barring citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S.

Rallies underway in Boston, Philadelphia, New York, Washington, Los Angeles and other cities Sunday drew thousands, part of a groundswell of fury that erupted at airports across the nation Saturday and showed no signs of abating.

“There is such an energy and anger that I have to do something about it,” said Jan Rudzinski, of Arden, Del., as she joined a rally in Philadelphia where signs said “Welcome Muslims” and “Let them in.”

The four Diamonds of Steven Universe.

We all struggle with wanting to do more, but part of the challenge is to recognize our own limitations and maximize what we can do. My advice is to pursue a three-fold strategy: Donate, Educate, Advocate.

DONATE: There are some amazing organizations doing work in Syria and with Syrian refugees. Support them. In particular, those that are started by the Syrian diaspora. One of my favorites is Karam Foundation (www.karamfoundation.org). Others like Sunrise USA (www.sunrise-usa.org) and the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS - www.sams-usa.net) also do great work. All these folks have teams on the ground in Syria and in refugee camps. I would also add the White Helmets (www.whitehelmets.org), an amazing group of volunteer rescue workers inside Syria. Their work is inspirational. Others exist, small and large, so find whatever you are comfortable with.

EDUCATE yourself about the situation in Syria. Read. But do so wisely. In particular, learn what Syrians and people intimately involved with the situation are saying and writing. ISIS is *not* the biggest threat in Syria; the Syrian regime is. Assad is. Don’t fall prey to those who equivocate on this fact. They are either grossly misinformed or willfully advocating for an authoritarian ruler. Equip yourself with information. There are folks like Hadi Abdullah and Leila al-Shami providing witness from on the ground. Find them on social media and follow them.

Other people have been writing on the conflict. Here are a few authors I would recommend: Idrees Ahmad, Robin Yassin-Kassab, Hassan Hassan, Rania Abouzeid, Samar Yazbek, Rami Jarrah, Yassin al-Haj Saleh, Sam Charles Hamad, Fred Hoff, Charles Lister, Moses Brown, Janine di Giovanni and Deborah Amos. They write articles, books, take pictures and some blog. Follow them on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Read. Then teach others.