We’re honored to share the powerful keynote by A’ida Al-Shibli—Tamera community member, peace activist, and Indigenous Palestinian Bedouin woman. Interviewed by Teodora Rădulescu, MC of the Gathering and GEN Europe Council member, A’ida's words brought a deep reflection on the political dimensions of the ecovillage movement, shedding light on the systemic crises we face and challenging us to confront our own roles within these systems. It was a challenging session. A'ida tackled topics such as the many ongoing genocides including the genocide of her own people in Gaza right now, the urgent need to acknowledge where everyone present was contributing to and benefiting from the systems they oppose, and the urgent need to detach from those systems. A’ida spoke bravely about looking the “pain of the world” in the eyes and the need to acknowledge that “everything is political” and that “everything happening in the world is affecting each one of us”; declaring that “We need to take a stand for life, not for a side.”

Building on this, A’ida drew on the teachings of her community, Tamera advocating the need for love, living as a political force, and love our largest resource, to be at the core of any meaningful solution. As A’ida put it, “From this love comes the urge to plant, build, and to have the courage to strive for a better world. To grow life, to be life, and to protect life.”

A’ida’s keynote held up a mirror to GEN Europe, highlighting where we as an organization need to further educate ourselves on the social and political issues we strive to take a stand for. This includes learning how to create safe spaces to explore these topics without placing undue burden on the very people in vulnerable positions whom we claim to support, and whom we invite to share their stories publicly and engage in collective exploration.

We are grateful to Teodora Rădulescu for graciously holding the space and creating a grounding atmosphere for this challenging discussion. Her presence allowed A’ida Al-Shibli’s powerful words to resonate, inviting us all to engage in honest and meaningful reflection.