"I write a new Facebook status, hoping that it will soak up a drop of someone’s hatred. But immediately a text appears opposing mine, preaching death, urging blood and war and martyrdom. Then I read that my city is under bombardment. It makes me believe that writing hurts people rather than benefitting them, and that we should therefore remain silent; but when I am silent, I believe our silence allows the ugliness to spread, it allows the criminal to continue killing his victim. So I come to the conclusion that we must not be silent. And my thoughts continue to cycle."
- Manhal al-Sarraj, on Syria, writing, and human rights
