Column CEO: Choosing sides

Written by: Agnes Kroese, CEO of Dorcas

I don’t cry easily, but the tears were close during the online meeting with my colleagues in Lebanon. The desperation they are in, their worries and hopelessness, I could feel them even through the screen. They are frightened, anxious, but also frustrated. Frightened and anxious about their own safety and that of their families. Frustrated because the resources to provide assistance are limited, while the need is so great. There is also frustration because they feel that the suffering currently taking place in Lebanon is not being noticed by the rest of the world. That the international community is turning a blind eye and remaining silent.

I recognise this because I see the same in the Netherlands when it comes to collective outrage about how innocent civilians are being forced to flee violence in haste. But, upon reflection, perhaps it’s not entirely accurate to speak of silence. Loud and clear are the negative reactions we at Dorcas received (and continue to receive) in response to the emergency assistance campaign for Lebanon.

Don’t misunderstand me: we’re not surprised by angry reactions. There are always people who are critical. It’s okay to be critical—I have absolutely no problem with that. I also understand that the situation in the Middle East is sensitive, and I realise that opinions differ widely, especially, or perhaps particularly, within Christian communities in the Netherlands. But the way some people feel the need to express their opinions—I do have something to say about that.

It has now even reached the point where, for the first time, we have had to stop a campaign on social media because of hateful comments. What also stood out was that we weren’t just receiving such responses online. Even in phone calls and emails from our own supporters, things sometimes got heated. A call to donate for emergency assistance doesn’t need to be an invitation for outright hurtful communication.

I enjoy a robust discussion and am open to critical questions, but with respect for one another. And what I’ve thankfully also often heard and seen happen in the past week is that people become more understanding when we explain why we do what we do. We’ve been working in Lebanon for over thirty years and have a large network within the Christian community. This allowed us to act quickly.

Dorcas is active in 14 countries, and when a crisis occurs in one of these countries, we roll up our sleeves. We will continue to do so, even when it’s difficult. We don’t choose political or theological sides. If we choose any side, it’s the side of the person in need.

Agnes Kroes is CEO of Dorcas. Agnes: ‘I contribute with great dedication to our mission in creating opportunities for people and communities to flourish. One of the ways I do this is through a monthly column in Dutch newspaper Nederlands Dagblad. In this column, I share insights from my professional experience at Dorcas. My aim is to inspire, inform and encourage readers to engage with Dorcas’ initiatives, campaigns, and projects.‘

05 October 2024