Be young, a fighter, don’t be foolish.

Dear Generation Y,

I confess I was once young and foolish. Don’t take offense, as foolishness is almost an intrinsic trait of youth. My father used to say he just wanted to show me the potholes in the road, but I, with the impertinence that characterizes the young, would retort, “I want to discover them on my own!” Looking back, that seems like a clear sign of foolishness. Do you disagree? Well, we can talk about it in 20 years, my dear.

I deeply understand the anxiety and eagerness you feel in searching for a purpose, a cause to fight for. This search for meaning is something we of Generation X know well. We lived through the waves of transformation in the 80s and 90s, fought for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights, faced emerging environmental crises, and challenged entrenched political structures. Our battle cry was freedom in its many forms, and it shaped the world you live in today. In my case, as a Brazilian, I must also add the fight for democracy, escaping mounted police, and the marbles we used to ensure the horses would miss us. The disappearance of some friends, among other things, are memories that deeply marked me but don’t make sense to detail now.

During those emblematic years, we followed not just fashion trends and pop music hits but also fought more severe battles. We fought for gender equality, challenging patriarchal structures; we supported the LGBTQ+ community in their fight for visibility and rights; and we became conscious of environmental crises, understanding the urgency to protect our only planet.

In politics, we were witnesses and participants in significant changes. We saw the Berlin Wall fall and experienced the end of the Cold War, understanding that each vote and debate were opportunities to influence the future.

Now, you, immersed in a complex digital reality, face similar and unique challenges. But believe me, here, fighting against Israel is foolishness. The history of the Jews in Israel is based on robust historical and archaeological evidence. From ancient biblical texts to artifacts unearthed in excavations around Jerusalem, each piece of the puzzle confirms the millennia-old and continuous presence of the Jewish people in the region. This is not just a connection based on religious traditions but a physical and tangible reality etched in the stones of history.

At the same time, the Palestinians’ fight for self-determination is also a complex and nuanced issue. It emerges from a long and sometimes painful history of territorial disputes, struggles for national recognition, and the desire for self-governance. The Palestinian situation is marked by political, social, and economic challenges, shaped by decades of conflict and negotiation attempts. Fully understanding this struggle requires a careful look at recent history, the political dynamics of the Middle East, and the numerous attempts at peace and conflict resolution.

So, as you navigate these waters, remember: do not be manipulated by simplistic narratives. Seek the truth beyond headlines and viral posts. And, as Kurt Cobain said, “Youth is the only thing worth having. When you are young, you want to do everything and fight for everything.” I ask that you add a bit of wisdom to that youthful passion. Use your energy to fight for causes with awareness and understanding.

With hope, solidarity, and a touch of acquired wisdom,

Gil Mildar
A proud and once foolish member of Generation X