{"id":46331,"title":"Keeping our bleeding hearts open for PCRF","description":"Why should we keep our hearts (and wallets) open when all signs point to futility? How do we \"bleeding hearts\" keep hope alive?","content":"

Around this time last year, the trending question was \u201cWill you free my Palestine?\u201d I know it\u2019s all too easy for despair to set in, given the ever-worsening conditions of both Gaza and the world in general. Why should we keep our hearts (and wallets) open when all signs point to futility?<\/p>

For me, it\u2019s heartening to learn about the concept of \u201csumud<\/u><\/a>,\u201d which is the Palestinian value of steadfast perseverance.<\/p>

\"A<\/p>

Speaking for myself, if I ever get tired of being told to cultivate \u201cresilience,\u201d I only need to look at what they\u2019re going through to realize how easy I have it. There\u2019s so many things that can be taken away, but with enough fortitude, we can hold on to what matters most - our sense of self and our values.<\/p>

It\u2019s an act of loving kindness to keep your heart open. \u201cBleeding heart<\/u><\/a>\u201d can be a mocking term for those who choose to remain emotionally vulnerable, and it is difficult sometimes. I believe acts of generosity can help stop that bleeding feeling, while still staying open.<\/p>

What\u2019s currently helping me to keep despair away is to support those who are doing important work. With the Al Raqs Conference campaign, we raised 290 GBP for PCRF, the Palestine Children\u2019s Relief Fund<\/u><\/a>. They have recently completed another mission to Gaza<\/u><\/a>, providing urgent medical care including surgeries that were otherwise unavailable.<\/p>

I\u2019m happy to say that we are on track to raise even more money for PCRF with this most recent campaign, Make Art Not War<\/u><\/a>!<\/p>

\"Crystal<\/p>

Despair is a luxury we can\u2019t afford. I\u2019m keeping you all in my heart this Valentine\u2019s Day and beyond. Together, we will remain. Thank you so much for your support, and please share this with someone you care about!<\/p>

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