How the 23rd Anniversary of 9/11 Is a Major Setback

As we reflect on the events of September 11, 2001, the weight of this fateful day continues to symbolize the outset of a new, bleak era for Muslim and Arab communities within the United States and beyond. But as we pause to remember the gravity of it all and the milestones that we could achieve, it is important to open our eyes to what the 23rd anniversary of 9/11 has in store for us.

The United States has long portrayed itself as a harbinger of freedom, democracy, and peace, yet its actions tell a different story as it continues to support Israel, a state that has been built on land stolen from Palestinians.

This connection is not just symbolic; it is a stark reminder that the values America claims to uphold are often undermined by its own actions. For years, we have been told that America stands for justice and human rights. However, the continued support for Israeli genocidal policies and refusal to impose an arms embargo highlights a striking paradox.

How can a country that was built on stolen land, that has never truly reckoned with its own history of displacement and oppression, be expected to lead the world in advocating for justice and peace?

Much like the land once taken from Native Americans, Palestinian territories are being snatched, their people displaced, and their rights ignored. This is not just a historical parallel; it is a present reality that the United States plays an active role in sustaining. The irony is undeniable: a country that prides itself on being a beacon of freedom is simultaneously funding and endorsing the oppression of another nation.

It is a troubling reality, one that forces us to ask ourselves: How can a country that was built on stolen land, that has never truly reckoned with its own history of displacement and oppression, be expected to lead the world in advocating for justice and peace?

While American leaders speak eloquently of human rights and democracy, they blindfold their eyes and close off their hearts when those very rights are violated in Palestine.

The “unwavering support” for Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land is not just political; it is a clear reflection of how selective America’s empathy can be. While American leaders speak eloquently of human rights and democracy, they blindfold their eyes and close off their hearts when those very rights are violated in Palestine.

As we commemorate the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, we cannot shy away from voicing the broader implications of the tragedy and what has followed in its wake. We cannot gatekeep the fact that this day marked the onset of the so-called “War on Terror,” which disproportionately targeted Muslim-majority countries and further entrenched Islamophobia. And we cannot overlook how the United States, in the name of peace and security, has been complicit in another kind of terror: the systematic oppression of Palestinians in a land they have called home for centuries.

The support for Israeli settlements is not a separate issue — it is deeply intertwined with America’s own history of colonization.

This is not just about criticizing American foreign policy; it is about holding the United States accountable for the role it plays in ongoing global crises. The support for Israeli settlements is not a separate issue — it is deeply intertwined with America’s own history of colonization. These acts are not ancient history; they are happening right now as we speak, and the United States continues to be a key player in ensuring their perpetuation.

As we continue to memorialize 9/11, let it be a reminder of the broader context in which these tragedies take place. Let it remind us of the power dynamics at play, the historical legacies of colonization, and the ongoing struggles for justice around the world. Let it also be a day when we say “never again” for all those who have been wronged for centuries and more.

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