[TW] A different kind of debrief

Hello friends,

I had planned to share a little summary of our December book club discussion. Instead, barely a week since reflecting on essays about multiculturalism, including one titled Zionists on the Beach — well. Even more so now, I can’t help but dwell on Hage’s writings about radical non-belonging, suicide terrorism, and the fatal consequences of paranoid nationalist (il)logics.

Sending my love to my Jewish friends especially, and my comrades on Dharug Country today. The capital-D Discourse is going to be unforgiving this week. Please take care of yourselves, and be mindful of AI-fuelled mis- and disinformation.

Our discussion last week took us to a question of how we survive in spaces of radical non-belonging — what we need from each other. So, please, reach out if you need something this week (or any week), and show up for each other if you have the capacity to do so. That is not a rhetorical plea.

Ps. The Red Cross urgently requires donations of O-negative blood, if you’re local, though supplies will also be transported interstate. Their booking system is currently down, I presume due to an influx of donors, but keep an eye out over the next few weeks. If you’re queer, rules have loosened to make it easier for you to donate too (I think for plasma, but changes relating to whole blood donations should be imminent).

If you’ve not given blood before — in my experience, staff are very kind, it’s a bit of a strange feeling but it doesn’t hurt, and yes, free snacks. If you’re based in Naarm, we can always go together.

Jane xxx