Here is where you get in touch. Work with me, share your experience or requests > this is how to reach me. Love, - Sara

Compassion over comprehension. These words echo throughout this deeply moving conversation with my dear friend Ilav about staying engaged with the humanitarian crisis in Palestine when it's easier to look away.

"I cannot not look," Ilav repeats throughout our discussion, describing how she channels the pain of witnessing suffering into action. As the daughter of political refugees from Iraq, she shares her lifelong connection to Palestine and why she feels compelled to keep her heart open despite the emotional toll.

We explore what those of us in positions of privilege can actually do to help. From boycotting specific brands (McDonald's, Starbucks, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, SodaStream) to following journalists reporting from Gaza, there are concrete actions we can all take. Ilav recommends trustworthy Instagram accounts that provide verified information about which companies to avoid and how to get involved in meaningful ways. I have linked all the resources we discussed for you by the end of this text.

Perhaps most poignant is our discussion about teaching children about difficult realities. Ilav shares how she approaches these conversations with her five-year-old son, gradually introducing concepts while emphasizing love and unity rather than hate. "We need more love, we don't need more hate," she reminds us, highlighting that many Jewish people stand in solidarity with Palestinians.

We also challenge the "good vibes only" culture that has permeated wellness spaces. True connection comes from being willing to engage with hard topics and staying present for uncomfortable conversations—whether in our personal relationships or our relationship with the wider world.

As we conclude, we remind listeners that our shared humanity transcends borders and identities. "Until the people in Gaza aren't free, none of us is free," Ilav says, emphasizing that compassion doesn't require complete comprehension of a complex situation.

I'd love to hear how this episode resonates with you—share your thoughts and join this crucial conversation.

HERE ARE ALL RESOURCES AND ACCOUNTS WE SHARED IN THIS EPISODE:

• The App we talked about is called Boycat - It shows you which brands support this war in going on and HOW they are involved in it. They also show suggestions of alternative Brands that you could use instead.
• Instagram Accounts Ilaf suggests:
  • JEWISHVOICEFORPEACE https://www.instagram.com/jewishvoiceforpeace?igsh=cWN0a2tyeTJ5Zmtx
  • MORTAZ_AZAIZA https://www.instagram.com/motaz_azaiza?igsh=dTFhdjJsN2ZweDRn
  • ART_OF_RIOT https://www.instagram.com/art_of_riot?igsh=aHNqb2oybDc0cjZ4
  • WIZARD_BISAN1 https://www.instagram.com/wizard_bisan1?igsh=MWh4bDdwZzhqODl5dw==
  • HIND KHOUDARY https://www.instagram.com/hindkhoudary?igsh=MWdtdGx3ZDQ5bTg4bg==