Hong Kong: The Umbrella Movement

“I can hardly believe that these things have happened in the city where I grew up. I have reflected deeply and I really would like a real democracy, and this is why I would like to give my own contribution but at the same time fight for this, though I cannot imagine a society without peace: ‘Chiara Lubich has always spoken of dialogue and I personally have experienced it. With regard to this situation in Hong Kong, we urgently need dialogue, but it is not easy, especially for us Asians. Through the mass media, we youngsters now have many ways of getting to know about the ideas of many people, but when we come face to face with those who do not share our ways of thinking, we are afraid to break the relationship and are unsure of what we should do. Except to pray for this, given that we are not the leaders of this protest, what can we do?'”

These are the emblematic considerations of the Hong Kong youth who are perplexed by the protest movement in the Chinese metropolis. The Occupy Central with peace and love movement started at the end of September – and after a few weeks the international media started to focus on the squares of Hong Kong – and continued with less intensity but held a firm stand on its objective to obtain a “true” universal suffrage for the 2017 elections. There are contrasting opinions to this regard.

“I have also joined the protest lately even if I have never been so active, but I strongly believe that as one who lives for a united world, and as a HK student, in face of such an unjust social system we have to voice out our requests.»  And more: «I have personally experienced the meaning of disharmony; up to now I thought such events occur only in warring nations and far from HK, but when I saw the police throwing teargas on the students and triggering a certain violence, I realised that this problem was real. It really hurts to see my city in this situation. The only thing I can do is to continue to pray and believe that God will take care of HK.”

«During these demonstrations, I too participated as a student and I pride myself in being part of the HK youth. But now the situation has gone out of control. This protest shows that love and understanding is missing in society. My commitment is to love each person until hope reaches out to all.»

In an open letter they wrote to FocolarePresident, Maria Voce: “Every day we read lots of good news on the internet and newspapers – for example that the residents of Hong Kong are for solidarity and peace, and that their actions are peaceful; on the other hand, the lack of peace. We saw, however, the police who tried to break up the demonstration by throwing teargas in the crowd of demonstrators. Many think differently and created conflict with others and there were fights and strife among people who had other opinions,” and expressed their renewed desire to continue being messengers of unity even in such difficult situations. Maria Voce replied by encouraging them, since she was certain that if they remained united, they would certainly find “the wisdom” and “light to speak or be silent”, and thus be “in the midst of all, a sign of peace “.