Echoes of Resistance: Kris Kristofferson’s Advocacy, Doja Cat’s Stand, and Bourdain’s Love for Lebanon
Honoring Kristofferson’s Legacy, Doja Cat's Bold Message, and Lebanon’s Ongoing Struggle Against Israeli Expansion
Today’s Newsletter Highlights
Welcome to House of Magdalena! Thank you for joining me, Illesha Magdalena, at the intersection of culture and politics. In today’s issue we’ll discuss:
Remembering Kris Kristofferson: A Voice for the Oppressed
Doja Cat Breaks Her Silence on Palestine, Congo, and Sudan at Global Citizen Festival
Anthony Bourdain's Love Affair with Lebanon: A Journey Through War and Resilience
Lebanon in Crisis – Israel’s Expansionist Plans are Unfolding
Taking Action: National War Tax Resistance Gathering
And as always, be sure to check out my Pro-Palestinian Artists Spotify playlist!
Remembering Kris Kristofferson: A Voice for the Oppressed
Kris Kristofferson, the country music legend behind classics like "Me and Bobby McGee" and "Help Me Make It Through the Night," passed away on September 28 at 88. Along with his music, he leaves behind a powerful legacy of fighting for human rights.
From the late 1960s, Kristofferson used his platform to tackle social issues, supporting Indigenous people, artists, and the oppressed worldwide. He famously stood by Sinéad O’Connor after she was booed off stage at Madison Square Garden for making political remarks against the Catholic Church, telling her, "Don’t let the bastards get you down." His 2003 album Freedom Song: Live from San Francisco includes "The Circle," a tribute to Iraqi artist Layla al-Attar who was killed in U.S. bombings, highlighting his commitment to justice.
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One of his boldest acts of activism was his support for Palestinian rights. He performed concerts for Palestinian children, which impacted his career, but he never backed down, stating, "If you support human rights, you gotta support them everywhere."
Kristofferson's bold activism and unforgettable music guarantee his legacy will live on in both human rights and the music world.
Doja Cat Breaks Her Silence on Palestine at Global Citizen Festival
At this year’s Global Citizen Festival, Doja Cat broke her silence on Palestine, while also highlighting the struggles in the Congo, Sudan, and Ukraine. Known more for her music than activism, she surprised many with a strong message in front of thousands at Central Park.
Wearing a dress inspired by the South African flag, her outfit sent a powerful signal. South Africa is a strong ally of Palestine’s and has even taken Israel to the International Court of Justice over charges of genocide. Doja herself has South African ancestry.
Her statements marked a change for Doja, who hasn’t been known as a pro-Palestine figure before. However, she's now one of the most high-profile celebrities using her platform to support Palestine.
Anthony Bourdain's Love Affair with Lebanon
Few places captured Anthony Bourdain’s heart like Lebanon. He made two significant trips—one in 2006 during the Second Lebanon War and another in 2015. These visits deeply shaped his view of the region and its people.
In 2006, Bourdain arrived in Beirut to film No Reservations, but soon found himself caught in the Second Lebanon War. From his hotel, he watched the city under attack by Israel, turning his love for Lebanon into heartbreak. Despite the chaos, he documented the surreal mix of life and war, capturing moments like rooftop parties as Israeli jets flew overhead. The episode became one of his most iconic, earning an Emmy nomination.
After days of uncertainty, Bourdain and his crew were evacuated by U.S. Marines, leaving him moved by the resilience of the Lebanese people. He reflected, “To see everyone’s hopes die and watch the country dismantled piece by piece was very painful. I’m very angry and very frustrated.”
In 2015, Bourdain returned to Lebanon to film the Season 5 finale of Parts Unknown, focusing on the country’s resilience and vibrant culture. This visit deepened his connection to the Lebanese people, who continued to celebrate life despite immense ongoing challenges.
Bourdain’s trips to Lebanon were more than just travel episodes—they were love letters to a nation that captivated him with its beauty, complexity, and unbreakable spirit. Through his storytelling, he gave the world a glimpse into Lebanon’s heart.
Lebanon in Crisis – Israel’s Expansionist Plans are Unfolding
Last week, I wrote about Israel’s long-standing "Greater Israel" ambitions, specifically its plans for territorial expansion. This week, we’re seeing just how real and imminent those plans are—and Lebanon is at the heart of it.
In mid-September, Israel launched deadly attacks on Lebanon by remotely detonating booby-trapped pagers and walkie-talkies, killing at least 37 people, including children, and injuring thousands more.
Since then, Israel has escalated its attacks, with airstrikes and ground operations killing over 1,000 people in Lebanon, including Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. As Israel shows no signs of stopping, it’s clear that their ambitions extend beyond military retaliation. They want Lebanese land.
On September 25, The Jerusalem Post published an article hinting at Israel's expansion into Lebanon. After the article gained traction, it was mysteriously deleted from The Jerusalem Post’s website.
On September 27, a different article surfaced, in which an Israeli Rabbi calls for Israel to conquer and settle Lebanon.
Moreover, investors are already drafting plans for settlements in southern Lebanon, with Uri Tsafon, an organization promoting Jewish settlement in the West Bank, advertising proposed settlements in Southern Lebanon.
Israel’s ambitions, as I highlighted last week, are not limited to its current borders. The ongoing military aggression is creating chaos, displacing populations, and paving the way for new settlements.
Lebanon faces immense pressure from all sides. Beyond the aerial bombardments, there’s a looming threat of losing land to foreign investors. The sovereignty and cultural identity of Lebanon are at risk, yet much of the global media remains oblivious. We cannot let this go unnoticed.
Taking Action: National War Tax Resistance Gathering
Looking to take action for peace? Join the upcoming War Tax Resistance National Gathering on Zoom from November 8-10, 2024. I've talked about this organization in previous newsletters, and this event offers a great chance for those committed to war tax resistance to connect, share experiences, and strategize for future actions.
Register Here to participate.
Event Highlights:
Friday Night Social: Kick off the gathering with a welcoming event featuring Mary Sprunger-Froese performing anti-war songs. Participants will engage in small breakout sessions to discuss resistance strategies, especially in light of the November elections.
Saturday Sessions: Learn about revitalizing local meetings and hear from a panel of activists on “Creative Outreach” strategies. There will also be sessions focused on outreach to peace churches and WTR 101 and 201 workshops for newcomers and those wanting to deepen their understanding. The day will conclude with insights on organizing local workshops.
Sunday Business Meeting: The gathering wraps up with a business meeting discussing NWTRCC’s goals and budget for 2025.
This gathering is a vital resource for anyone interested in war tax resistance and connecting with a like-minded community!
More about the conference here.
Thank You
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In Solidarity,
illesha magdalena
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