Mobilizing Bystanders: A New Approach to Addressing the Crisis in Gaza

On April 17, 2024, a group of dedicated individuals met to discuss a pressing issue: the dire situation faced by the people of Gaza. The purpose of the meeting was to brainstorm and propose action plans to foster change.

Understanding Bystanders

Dr. Raj Thamotheram, a confirmed participant in the meeting, emphasized the need to understand and engage bystanders in the issue. Bystanders, those who are aware of the situation but not actively involved, can be a powerful force in driving change if properly mobilized.

As Dr. Raj highlighted, the key is to understand what encourages bystanders to act and what puts them off. This involves understanding their motivations, their fears, and their perception of the situation.

“Dr Raj wants to brainstorm ways to mobilize people who are on the fence, especially those who you would normally expect to be allies.”

For this, the group proposed the idea of conducting a survey to study why people who should be speaking up are not.

The Need for Market Research

One of the key discussion points was the urgent need for market research. It was agreed upon that there is currently no substantial research showing why people remain silent on the issue. The group proposed conducting an anonymous poll to gather this vital information, hoping to get at least 50-100 responses.

The results of this research would then be used to create FAQs to address common concerns, such as fears of being labeled anti-Semitic.

The Challenge of Mobilizing Aid for Gaza

The group also discussed the challenge of mobilizing aid for Gaza. Ravneet raised an important question, “Why focus on the bystanders?”. The answer is simple – unless we bring them in as allies, achieving meaningful change will be difficult.

Maureen shared a poll finding that showed 30% of the population is unsure about the issue – these are the bystanders we need to engage.

Identifying the Call to Action

The discussion also touched upon the need for a clear call to action. One suggestion was to promote funding for UNWRA as a possible action that concerned citizens could take. Dr. Romano raised a pertinent question about the scope of the survey: “It’s not just Gaza or just this genocide – the whole system is deeply problematic – what would transcend this moment?”

This led to the conclusion that the group would use the survey results to identify the main obstacles and then find ways around these hurdles.

Exploring Different Approaches

The group acknowledged that different audiences require different approaches. For instance, for evangelicals, a theological approach might be more effective. Dr. Romano pointed out that it’s not just about Gaza or this specific genocide, but the entire problematic system. This broader perspective is crucial in determining a strategy that transcends the moment and brings about substantial change.

In conclusion, the group decided to continue exploring different approaches to engage bystanders, conduct market research to understand their motivations, and identify the most effective call to action. They agreed that mobilizing bystanders could potentially make a significant difference in addressing the dire situation in Gaza.

Freedom Advocacy Network

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