Can We Forge a Path to Global Solidarity Amid Rising Ethnonationalism?

As I reflect on the state of our world, I’m struck by the urgency of confronting the interconnected crises we face—from the erosion of democratic values to the devastating conflict in Gaza. These issues, though global in scope, feel deeply personal to me. They challenge my understanding of justice, solidarity, and our collective responsibility to resist the tide of ethnonationalism sweeping across nations. My perspective, shaped by a growing awareness of these challenges, is a call to action for all of us to reclaim internationalism and build a future rooted in equality and compassion.

Canada, a country I’ve long admired for its progressive ideals, stands at a crossroads. Recent political shifts have raised concerns about its direction. The rise of figures like Mark Carney, who some describe as offering a “gentler” form of authoritarianism in response to global pressures, has me questioning whether Canada is living up to its legacy. Policies fast-tracking extractive projects, bypassing environmental reviews and indigenous rights, suggest a troubling alignment with corporate interests. This “subshock doctrine” exploits external crises, like U.S. tariffs, to push agendas that undermine the very values—universal healthcare, public media—that define Canada’s identity. As someone who had a recent interaction with a family found refuge in Canada during the Vietnam War, I’m disheartened that Canada isn’t opening its borders to those facing deportation in the U.S., opting instead to selectively attract academics and professionals. This feels like a betrayal of the sanctuary Canada once promised. We need to embrace internationalism, not nationalism, and become a true alternative to the authoritarian wave.

The situation in the United States is even more alarming. The targeting of dissenters—senators, judges, mayors, particularly people of color and migrant rights advocates—signals a democracy in peril. The expulsion of an American child to Honduras, against her citizen father’s wishes, is a stark example of this cruelty. The Republican Party, once a conservative force with a white supremacist fringe, now seems to have flipped, prioritizing a supremacist agenda that fuels raids and deportations. As someone who has watched these developments unfold, I feel a mix of outrage and helplessness. The U.S., flawed but aspirational, is becoming a cautionary tale of how quickly democratic norms can crumble.

The crisis in Gaza weighs heaviest on my heart. The term “genocide” is contentious, but the deliberate starvation and relentless violence make it hard to call it anything else. Palestinian journalists, risking their lives to document these atrocities, have shifted global perceptions. Stories of transformation—like an 85-year-old former Zionist protesting in Toronto or a journalist presenting her book *Genocidio* in the Italian Senate—give me hope. Yet, the Trump administration’s apparent green light for Israel to escalate tensions with Iran is terrifying. A war with Iran would dwarf past conflicts, and the global stakes are immense. The U.S.’s unwavering support for Israel, driven by military, economic, and geopolitical interests, not just lobbying groups, complicates the path forward. But recent polls showing a majority of Americans now view Israel negatively suggest a shift, however slow.

The weaponization of Jewish trauma through Zionism is a particularly painful issue for me. The ideology, rooted in a response to historical suffering, has been twisted into a tool of supremacy, justifying the dehumanization of Palestinians. I believe we need an “exodus from Zionism,” reclaiming Jewish values of equality and justice from the grip of a militarized ethnostate. The Passover seder, with its democratic spirit and emphasis on questioning, offers a model for this reclamation. I’m inspired by groups like Jewish Voice for Peace, who organize seders in the streets, demanding an arms embargo and solidarity with Palestinians. This vision of Judaism, portable and rooted in diaspora, resonates deeply with me.

The global rise of ethnonationalism—from India to Hungary to the U.S.—demands a response grounded in clear principles. We must reject ideologies that prioritize dominance over equality and organize across borders to strengthen international institutions like the UN, ICJ, and ICC. The U.S.’s retreat from global agreements, while damaging, opens a window for other nations to lead. South Africa’s steadfast support for Palestine is a powerful example, standing firm despite pressure. Canada, too, has a role to play, not in increasing military spending but in fulfilling promises of foreign aid and sanctuary.

The courage of students, like those at the University of Toronto who camped out in solidarity with Palestine, mirrors the anti-apartheid protests of the 1980s. Their moral clarity, despite being smeared as antisemitic, is a beacon. Yet, the lies—claiming protests are driven by foreign actors or ideologies—do real damage. Independent media is crucial here, cutting through the Orwellian denial of evidence. I founded my stance to combat this, driven by a refusal to let falsehoods win. My spirit, fueled by a hatred of losing, keeps me going. But it’s the moments of camaraderie—in encampments, in protests—that truly sustain me. They’re portals to another world, where we live our values and glimpse a better future.

But how do we reclaim Jewish symbols from their association with Israel’s actions? By organizing and building own institutions. How did Israel secure U.S. support? It’s a mix of interests, not just lobbying, but pro-Palestine advocates must be savvier without mimicking unethical tactics. How do we stay motivated? For me, it’s the refusal to let authoritarians win, coupled with the joy of collective action. These questions remind me that we’re not alone in this fight.

As I write this, I’m haunted by a question: can we build a global movement for solidarity that transcends borders and ideologies? The rise of ethnonationalism, the crackdown on free speech, and the horrors in Gaza demand that we try. It starts with organizing, speaking truth, and supporting independent voices. Will we rise to this challenge, or will we let the tide of nationalism sweep us away?

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