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  • Social Media : A Tool of War

    By Joe Aura,
    {aurajoe6@gmail.com}

     

    Social media has been a double-edged sword in the Gaza War, providing a space for direct, unfiltered
    documentation of the realities on the ground, a means for disseminating information in many different
    forms and formats, and a platform for amplifying messages of solidarity.

    However, where there has been good use, there has also been abuse. Tech giants have come under
    intense scrutiny, finding themselves accused of censoring Palestinian content, failing to crack down on
    disinformation, and allowing the incitement of violence.

    Do you recall the false narrative of 40 beheaded babies confirmed by the president of U.S.A? And how
    Hamas used social media platforms to show hostages?

    Misinformation on both sides of the Palestinian and Israeli conflict was shared on Facebook, TikTok,
    Twitter, WhatsApp and Youtube. The largely unfiltered view may have a long-term impact on how the
    public perceives the war.

    Certainly. In Kenya, social media has been a powerful tool for sharing information and opinions on the
    Israel-Hamas conflict.

    Karichi Marimba, a lecturer at Daystar University school of communication shared his views on the topic.
    “It is the issues of framing. Take Hamas for example who are fighting for Palestine, even though they are
    the aggressors, they frame their message as the ones who are being oppressed. Israel will also frame it
    as their right to exist as a God chosen nation. So it depends, what are using social media for”
    Kenyans also took to social media to express their views on the issue. Some Kenyans used social media
    to show solidarity with Palestine, while others supported Israel.

    As of today, communication has been cut off between Gaza and the world but images of the continuous
    airstrikes on Gaza are still surfacing on social media.

    In conclusion, social media has had both positive and negative impacts on the perception of the world
    on the war crisis between Israel and Hamas. It has provided an avenue for people to share their
    experiences and opinions with others around the world. However, it has also been used to spread
    misinformation and propaganda that can fuel polarization and incite violence.
    It is important to be aware of these issues when using social media to stay informed about this conflict.

  • Gaza War

    By Joe Aura

    aurajoe6@gmail.com

     

    The Gaza War has been ongoing for the more than a week and has been horrific for Palestinians, Israelis, and the watching world. The conflict began on October 7th, 2023, when Hamas launched an unprecedented assault on Israel, with hundreds of gunmen infiltrating communities near the Gaza Strip . The surprise attack was followed by severe air attacks by the superior military of Israel.

    The humanitarian aspect of the war is devastating. According to the UN, at least 2,104 Palestinians have died, including 1,462 civilians, of whom 495 were children and 253 women. Israel has said it killed at least 225 militants during the fighting. The supplies in Gaza Strip may not last more than a day as negotiations continue between Israel, the United States, Egypt, and others for the delivery of aid in Gaza. Gaza is being leveled as we speak.

    When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. The leaders of both sides seek pride and redemption for their people but end up creating havoc and death for them. Many nations have already taken sides – The U.S condemning what they called an act of terrorism from Hamas and the U.A.E in full support of the course to ‘Free Palestines’ . It almost seems like a holy war.

    From Baghdad and Amman to Jakarta and Islamabad, large crowds have gathered to denounce Israel’s heavy bombardment of the Gaza Strip. Protesters have waved Palestinian flags and chanted slogans such as “Free Palestine” and “Crush the Zionists”.

    The United Nations has expressed deep concern for all civilians in the Gaza Strip following Israel’s order for the entire population there to leave. The U.N. said about 1 million Gaza residents have been displaced in just a week. About half of them are finding refuge in schools and other facilities where water supplies are diminishing. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a humanitarian organization that aims to protect and aid victims of conflicts. It has been in Israel and the occupied territories since 1967. The organization is asking for donations to improve access to essential services like water and to support livelihood projects. Doctors Without Borders is a nongovernmental organization that provides humanitarian aid to people affected by conflict, disease outbreaks, and natural and human-made disasters. The agency is seeking donations to continue providing medical care in the area.

  • Gordon Oduor: Unleashing the Magic of Theater at Daystar University!

     

    By Joe Aura,

    [aurajoe6@gmail.com]

     

    Gordon Oduor is a 32-year-old student of Electronic Media at Daystar University. He is passionate about telling stories within the community and has developed an interest in theater performance as a hobby. He enjoys acting and scriptwriting.

    Growing up in a community with various challenges, he noticed that he was highly vulnerable to problems of the community. This realization led him to venture into teaching as a hobby in his first year. During his tenure as a teacher, he realized what young students were going through. This birthed a forum called SemaNami organization, which means “talk to me, I talk to you.” The purpose of this organization was to allow students to explore their talents and be exposed to opportunities, mentors, and support them with basics that are key to their education. Some of the products they provide are sanitary pads for girls.

    Gordon’s passion for theater has not been without challenges. One of his biggest challenges is not being able to fund his dreams. For example, he has tried to finance schools with school sets but the funds have not been able to match the dream. Moreover, the issue of funds has also played into planning events and casts leaving the theater family (SemaNami). “Sometimes the cast has done a great performance and they expect something good, but when the funds do not come in they retract from their passion.”

    However, one unique thing about him is that he is an outgoing individual . He takes note of his challenges and uses them as stepping stones. He picks up the challenge, looks at it, dissects it, and sees what needs to be fixed then solves it.

    Gordon is looking to impact lives through what he does in theater. Through success stories of many people benefiting from his organization, he pushes on. He also hopes to expose people to avenues they wouldn’t have discovered otherwise.

    Gordon is a visionary who has identified the untapped potential of Daystar Clubs. He has taken the initiative to host a play at Daystar University called ‘Urithi’ to keep young people active and keep the clubs alive. He believes that people want to see value in their time and activities, and his play is an excellent way to achieve that goal. Gordon’s ultimate wish is to show young Daystar students that their talent has value in terms of money. He says, “Gone are the days where people do things just for the sake.”