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A call for freedom: Simon Deng’s plea for hostages this Passover
As Passover approaches, a powerful voice emerges from the Bronx, echoing a heartfelt plea for freedom. Simon Deng, a humanitarian activist and former child slave, is urging Hamas to release the hostages taken during the tragic events of October 7, 2023.
Though not Jewish himself, Deng’s experiences resonate deeply with the themes of liberation and redemption celebrated during this significant Jewish holiday.
From captivity to activism
Deng’s journey began in Sudan, where he was kidnapped at the tender age of nine and endured nearly three years of enslavement.
His harrowing experiences have shaped his identity and fueled his activism. Now a vocal supporter of Israel, Deng has participated in numerous rallies advocating for the release of hostages, drawing on his own traumatic past to highlight the urgency of their plight.
“We are in it together,” Deng states, reflecting on the shared suffering that connects his story to that of the hostages. He recalls the brutal violence he witnessed as a child, comparing it to the recent attacks in Israel. His words serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against radical ideologies that perpetuate violence and oppression.
Solidarity through shared struggles
As Deng prepares to observe Passover, he emphasizes the importance of solidarity among oppressed communities. He believes that the struggles faced by Black individuals and Jewish people share a common thread, rooted in the fight against tyranny and injustice.
“The struggle of Martin Luther King Jr. was supported by the Jewish community,” he notes, highlighting the historical alliances formed during the civil rights movement.
Deng’s commitment to advocating for the hostages is unwavering, despite facing criticism from some within his own community.
He dismisses this backlash as ignorance, asserting that understanding and supporting one another is crucial in the fight against oppression. “We have to stand shoulder to shoulder to defeat evil,” he insists, emphasizing the need for unity in the face of adversity.
A message of hope and resilience
Despite the challenges he has faced, Deng remains optimistic about the future. He believes that by standing together, communities can overcome the forces of evil that threaten their existence. “I’m optimistic tomorrow will be better than today,” he declares, embodying the spirit of resilience that defines both his journey and the essence of Passover.
This Passover, as Deng reflects on his own experiences of bondage and liberation, he will be thinking of those still held captive. His message is clear: freedom is a universal right, and the fight for it transcends borders and backgrounds. “I will be munching matzah in solidarity with my Jewish brothers and sisters,” he shares, reinforcing the bond that unites all who seek liberation from oppression.
