Solidarity Statements in honor of Vittorio Arrigoni

Organizations throughout Palestine and around the world are honoring Vittorio Arrigoni’s life and his work for the liberation of the Palestinian people. Collected here are some of those statements. If your organization is planning to issue a statement, please send it and any related URL to palestinesolidarity [at] gmail.com.

Anarchists Against the Wall

We mourn the loss of our dear partner Vittorio Arrigoni. In light of the recent murder, Anarchists Against the Wall are shocked and dismayed at this tragedy and the terrible loss. We mourn and share our deep sorrow with the Arrigoni family, our friends at the International Solidarity Movement, the Palestinian people and anyone else who has been working and struggling with Vittorio shoulder to shoulder in ending the criminal and inhumane Israeli siege on Gaza.

Vittorio was a true freedom fighter, voicing the voice of the oppressed and choosing to remain with the people of the besieged Gaza during the Israeli massacre of December 2008. Vittorio’s memory will carry on through such acts of deep solidarity, and we, activists in the Palestinian struggle for freedom and the end of occupation and apartheid, will make sure to walk on this path.

Such a horrible act should be opposed by all and will strengthen our fight against any enemy of freedom and justice. Vittorio’s work will not be in vain.

Ayed Morrar & the people of Budrus

How great it is to be a messenger for freedom and an angel for peace. That was Vittoro Arrigoni, the man who followed his sense of humanity and conscience to help others in their fight for freedom and justice despite. Despite all the obstacles he faced in his way he kept going.

A long time has passed since Vik visited Budrus. We still remember so clearly that man singing with the our children, “Bella Ciao, Bella Ciao, Bella Ciao Ciao Ciao.”

The song had a great effect in our hearts especially when his friend explained to us its meaning and story. We realized that that man standing among us didn’t come here incidentally. He came because of his belief in the values of freedom and peace. He wanted to help us in our fight against oppression and injustice. He wanted to help us get our freedom.

It’s hard for me now to explain the great sorrow in our hearts for losing such a noble person. It is even harder that the killers had Palestinian names – but just Palestinian names, not our mind nor culture! All the Palestinian people, with all of our different parties and all of our different political views and religions, condemn their horrible action. We all agree on one thing: that Vittorio was our friend and hero!

I still remember the day Vittorio left Budrus. He looked back at me and started clapping his hands singing loudly “Intifada, intifada”. The great spirit I saw in him made me sure that this man will not give up and will keep fighting to help others.

That’s what he did in Budrus, that’s what he did in Gaza!

That was our unforgettable friend Vittorio Arrigoni. So I, Ayed Morrar, the founder of the Popular Committee Against the Wall and we, the people of Budrus send our consolation to your small family in Italy and your big family around the world. We promise you that we will continue your fight for freedom and justice. You will always live in our hearts and revolution.

R.I.P. my friend.

Viva Palestina Malaysia

Viva Palestina Malaysia has learned with grief and dismay about the death of 36 year old Italian volunteer and member of International Solidarity Movement (ISM), Vittorio Arrigoni. Our prayers and condolences go to his family and friends on this tragic loss. May his soul rest in peace.

Mohammed Said AlNadi, Gaza

He tirelessly documented Israeli violations against human rights in Palestine, including the Gaza war. He accompanied every fisherman, risking his own life so many times; he wiped away the tears on the faces of every child; he always was there for the poor. Read more

Alisei

Alisei NGO would like to express our deepest sympathy for the tragic loss and great injustice that affected your organization. Please do convey our dearest thoughts also to Vittorio’s family and friends. We remain close to you in this terrible moment.

Palestine Solidarity Project

The Palestine Solidarity Project strongly condemns the murder of international solidarity activist Vittorio Arrigoni. Arrigoni was an inspiring activist, and his murder is a crime against humanity and against the Palestinian people. It is the position of the Palestine Solidarity Project that his murder, and the murder of the Juliano Mer-Khamis 11 days earlier, serve the interests of the Israeli occupation. Those that executed these murders have allied themselves with the occupation, and against freedom and justice for all people.

Free Gaza Movement

The murder of human rights activist, Vittorio Arrigoni, is a tragedy for his family, for those of us who knew him, and for the Palestinians who loved and admired him. The Steering Committee of Freedom Flotilla 2 condemns this senseless murder and the people who are behind it. They took the life of one of the most passionate supporters of justice for Palestine. This murder is damaging to the Palestinian struggle for freedom and justice as well as our work in support of that struggle.

In his honor, we are naming our next voyage, FREEDOM FLOTILLA – STAY HUMAN.

Nothing that we write can capture the man who was so full of the joy of life, a man with the pipe in his mouth and the captain’s hat always tilted at an angle on his head. The man with the big smile and gentle nature, someone who used his physical strength to hold small children in his arms, sometimes several at a time. His laughter and his last comments every time we saw him will ring in all of our ears as we board the boats to return to Gaza at the end of May.

“Stay Human,” he would say, then grin and clench his pipe in his teeth.

Vittorio had sailed with us from Greece on the first small fishing boat to enter Gaza in the summer of 2008, one of 44 activists sailing to protest the illegal blockade imposed by Israel against the 1.5 million Palestinians living in Gaza. We will do our best, Vik, to carry on the work you have done. The flotilla will return to Gaza in your honor.

ISM Scotland

ISM Scotland extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Vittorio. Vik was a tireless and committed activist for the Palestinian people and advocate of the Palestinian cause. Vik’s dedication serves as an enduring example of humanity and epitomizes the true definition of solidarity.

Glasgow Palestine Human Rights Campaign

Glasgow Palestine Human Rights Campaign extends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Vittorio Arrigoni.

Vik was a passionate advocate of the Palestinian cause, and selflessly dedicated himself to defending the besieged people of Gaza.

GPHRC, like all Palestinians utterly condemns this senseless and heinous act which as Vik would have recognized only serves to promote the Israeli’s distorted portrayal of the Palestinian people.

Mona Elfarra

With deep sadness in my heart I write. I am sad and shocked that Vik has been taken from our world so soon and so tragically. I am appalled that such ignorant brutality and violence still exists in Palestinian society.

Vik you were dedicated, full of humanity, and fun. Your love for life, music and laughter meant that your presence always created a nice atmosphere for our youth and children in different occasions. You shared our lives in Gaza for more than 2 years. You danced Dabbka. You would always reach out and shake hands with little boys and girls in the streets. You would play football with them. You were there in our funerals as well as our weddings. And, more than that, you protested daily as a member of the ISM alongside with Palestinians on the borders against the buffer zone created by Israel where farmers were unable reach their land.

Viktor you were always there with the ISM and Palestinian people, in peaceful protests against the occupation, calling for justice, peace and a free Palestine.

I have known Viktor for more than 2 years. He arrived in Gaza with the Free Gaza Movement in August 2008 and stayed in Gaza during the siege and the different ongoing atrocities committed by the Israeli occupation. He was a real radical revolutionary comrade. On another occasion we met at al Aqsa hospital in the middle of the camps when Bianca, a member of the ISM, was shot by the Israelis in another peaceful protest against the buffer zone. He was so angry and showed his anger in a very open way. An angry young man, with smiling, beautiful, and peaceful eyes.

In my apartment in Gaza city we had a light dinner with friends and he was so happy and sang the nice famous Italian song Bella Ciao and translated it for us. I felt empowered and inspired by him. We all sang it together.

Vik made thousands of children, youth and men happy, able to continue and steadfast against the Occupation and siege. He will always be remembered by us in Palestine. He had a good time with us in Gaza, was always smiling and happy, and above all worked according to his beliefs.

As a mother I am at loss for words. My thoughts and prayers go to his family. My comrade, friend, and brother, you will always be in my heart.

Mairead Maguire

I am so very sorry to hear of the abduction and murder in Gaza of our dear friend Vittorio Arrigoni.

I had the great pleasure of meeting Vittorio when we sailed to Gaza on the Free Gaza boat in October, 2008. Vittorio was one of the people who greeted us when we arrived at the Gaza Port. I remember he gave me a great smile and a hug, and when I asked him what he was doing in Gaza he
explained he was from Italy and working with ISM and Free Gaza. I was inspired by his joy, enthusiasm, and great energy, so much in evidence, even as he shared the deep suffering of the people of Gaza, with whom he had chosen to live and work.

I would like to send to his mum (whom he talked about to me with such love) and dad, and family, his friends and all his co workers in Gaza, in Italy and around the world, my deepest sympathy on his death. I am sure there is little I can say to his family, but I hope they will find consolation and peace knowing how much Vittorio was loved by all whose lives he touch in his own short courageous life. He loved the people of Gaza – especially the children – and he will always have a special place in the hearts of all those who have the honour and joy of being in his presence and calling him friend and brother.

To his many friends in the International Solidarity Movement and Free Gaza Movement, who knew and loved Vittorio, I hope you will find great consolation from the knowledge that Vittorio lived life to the fullest and I am sure he found great fulfillment in his life working with you all his friends through your movements for the people of Gaza and Palestine. I am sure too the greatest tribute we can all now pay to Vittorio’s memory,
is to continue our work in support of the people of Gaza and Palestine in their struggle for freedom and human rights.

Tadamon!

Tadamon! commemorates the beloved activist Vittorio Arrigoni who was murdered in Gaza one day ago. We affirm our solidarity with the Palestinians, and we grieve with them. Vittorio devoted many years in struggle with the Palestinians for their liberation. He is the exemplary face of the International Solidarity Movement, the people who come from all over the world to Palestine, sometimes giving their lives such as Rachel Corrie and Vittorio Arrigoni.

In these moments let us remember and reflect on the courage and determination of the Palestinian people in their struggle against Israeli apartheid and our collective recognition of the devotion and bravery of activists who join them. Rest in peace Vittorio Arrigoni.

Jordan Valley Solidarity Campaign

The Jordan Valley Solidarity Campaign utterly condemns the murder of pro-Palestinian, International Solidarity Movement activist, Vittorio Arrigoni, in the Gaza Strip. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

Philip Weiss

We mourn the lionhearted Vittorio’s death. And while we recognize that he was killed by a radical Palestinian faction, and we condemn radical Islamism, this in no way diminishes our own commitment to ending the cruel occupation. Read more

Mohammed Rabah Suliman, Gaza

Now that you moved to live in our hearts, we’ll become stronger and fiercer in the battle against occupation, humiliation and injustice. Vittorio. Such an inspiration to all of us. You taught us that life isn’t worth living if one isn’t ready to fight against its injustice, and that’s what gives it a meaning, that’s what makes it all beautiful. Now, empowered by your “memory”, we’ll carry on the fight together. Read more

Statement on Behalf of Italian NGO Workers in Palestine

We express our sincere condolences with Vittorio’s family, his friends and companions in the International Solidarity Movement and with all the people who have known him during the past years, when he was serving as a focal point for all of us in Gaza. Read more

ISM London

ISM London are in shock and sorrow from the death of Vittorio Arrigoni. He visited London frequently and many of us knew him as a friend as well as a deeply committed activist for the Palestinian cause. Our thoughts and sympathy are with his family, friends and his fellow ISM volunteers.

Anarchist Media Collective, ‘a-films’

We have known Vittorio for many years and collaborated with him in North Lebanon and Italy. Vittorio was a good friend and an inspiring person with seemingly unlimited energy and motivation. We’re shocked and sad. May our brother rest in peace.

Northern Illinois End the Occupation Organization

Words cannot express the heavy hearts and sadness we feel at hearing of this tragic loss. We did not know Vittorio personally but he truly is a hero, putting his life on the line for what he believed in, while making a difference by giving voice to Palestinians in Gaza. We pray that the government quickly investigate and bring to justice the criminals so that this does not ever happen again. We will continue in our efforts, no matter how big or small, to change the situation in Palestine, and remember our heroes Rachel and Vittorio.

Electronic Intifada

Our deepest condolences to the family and many friends of Vittorio Arrigoni. His loss is felt by our whole movement.

PFLP mourns the martyr Vittorio Arrigoni and calls for justice and accountability

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine denounces in the strongest terms the criminal murder of Italian solidarity activist Vittorio Arrigoni in Gaza, and offers its deepest condolences to the family of the martyr, the Italian people, the global solidarity movement with the Palestinian people, and all who care for justice.

The Front expresses its shock and horror at this heinous and cowardly crime, which is completely averse to the ethics, principles and traditions of our people and our movement, that came against a solidarity activist with Palestine, who had come to Gaza to be among our people and stand against suffering, siege, occupation and colonialism. This heinous crime only benefits the Israeli occupation, while threatening great harm to the Palestinian people and its just cause of liberation and self-determination.

The Front called upon all to memorialize the martyr Vittorio Arrigoni, who lives on and stands among the great martyrs of our people, to continue on his path of justice, liberation, and solidarity, and to exert the strongest efforts to hold all those responsible for this crime fully accountable before the Palestinian people.

Solidarity from Nablus

We are heartbroken. To our hundreds of friends in Italy, to his family, to our global community, we in Nablus send our condolences from all Palestine to our friend and fellow activist Vittorio Arrigoni, a most wonderful human being, who was murdered in Gaza. We will protest for our friend Vittorio in Nablus at the city circle tomorrow at 21:00PM.

We will never forget you, our Palistinian friend, Vittorio.

American Muslims for Palestine expresses deep condolences to ISM and family of Vittorio Arrigoni

(CHICAGO 04/14/2011) – It is with heavy hearts that the American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) offers our deepest and most sincere condolences to the members of the International Solidarity Movement and to the family and friends of ISM activist Vittorio Arrigoni, who was found murdered in the Gaza Strip Thursday.

By all accounts, Vittorio was a selfless humanitarian who gave his life while serving the noble cause of Palestine. He held honorary Palestinian citizenship for his work in the occupied territories, and “is a hero of Palestine,” Khalil Shaheen of the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights said in an ISM statement.

“The cause of Palestine sometimes grows very heavy as is the case with this senseless and brutal death of someone who gave his all trying to bring justice to the Palestinians,” said Dr. Hatem Bazian, AMP chairman and professor of Near Eastern and Ethnic Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. “It is imperative now for all of us to redouble our efforts so that
Vittorio’s death will not have been in vain.”

AMP would like to stress that the Palestinian people warmly admire and appreciate the solidarity efforts lead by ISM and other international groups. This murder absolutely does not reflect the standards, manners and the hospitality of the Palestinian people, who are so grateful for ISM’s efforts. As Muslims we are outraged at this senseless act and stress that is categorically against our beliefs and faith.

AMP also calls upon the Palestinian government in Gaza to work tirelessly to find those who perpetrated this brutal crime and bring them to justice.

May we all stand together during this difficult and painful time as we continue to work to bring justice and liberty to Palestine.

With Great Shock and Sorrow, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights Condemns Murder of Italian Activist, Vittorio Arrigoni

With great shock and sorrow, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) condemns the murder of Italian activist, Vittorio Arrigoni. On Friday morning, 15 April 2011, Vittorio’s body was found in an abandoned house in the north of the Gaza Strip, following his murder at the hands of kidnappers.

The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR), and its entire staff, gravely condemns this crime, which targets our inherent human dignity, and the values and traditions of the lawful struggle for freedom and justice. It is this human struggle which connects Gazan’s – locked behind the closed door of the Gaza Strip – with the outside world, and inspires countless individuals to stand as human rights defenders.

PCHR calls upon the government in Gaza to prosecute the perpetrators. Furthermore, all necessary measures must be taken to secure the safety of international activists in the Gaza Strip.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, on Thursday evening, 14 April 2011, a group named “Group of the Companion Mohammed Bin Maslamah” announced the kidnapping of the Italian journalist, Vittorio Arrigoni, 36, a prominent member of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) and a human rights defender. In a video posted on the Youtube website, the group demanded the release of detained members of the group, affiliates of the so-called “Salafist Jihadist Group”. The kidnappers threatened to kill Arrigoni if the government in Gaza did not meet their demands within 30 hours.

In a grave development, contrary to fundamental values shared by all Palestinians, the group carried out their threat. On Friday morning, 15 April 2011, security services found the body of Arrigoni in a house located in the ‘Amer project area, west of al-Karamah building in the west of Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip. In his testimony, a PCHR staff-member reported signs of beating on the victim’s face, signs of handcuffs on his hands, and signs of strangulation around his neck.

The Ministry of Interior in Gaza issued a press release on Friday, condemning this heinous crime. It declared the arrest of two members of the group and the continued search for others.

Arrigoni had worked in Gaza since 2008, when he arrived on board the “Free Gaza” flotilla, organized to break the closure imposed on the Gaza Strip. He devoted himself to the defense of Palestinians’ rights, and participated in a number of activities against the closure, against violations committed by Israeli Forces against Palestinian civilians, particularly fishermen, and against the Israeli decision to impose a ‘buffer zone’ in the Gaza Strip. He was arrested by Israel forces on18 November 2008, while he was accompanying a number of fishermen off the shores of Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip. However, he returned to Gaza a few months later via Rafah International Crossing. Arrigoni was also in the West Bank for a few years before coming to Gaza. He has been known for his activity with the International Solidarity Movement.

PCHR reiterates its condemnation of this heinous crime, and:

1. Calls upon the government in Gaza to conduct an effective and prompt investigation to identify the circumstances of the crime, prosecute the perpetrators, and publish the investigations’ results;
2. Appreciates the role played by the International Solidarity Movement and other human rights defenders in the occupied Palestinian territory;
3. Calls upon the international community, political powers and Palestinian people to condemn this crime and organize peaceful activities against it.

Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel

World Council of Churches programmes offer condolences to Italian peace activist’s family.

The murder of Italian peace activist Vittorio Arrigoni was a brutal crime against a man who had dedicated his life to peace and human rights. The Palestine-Israel Ecumenical Forum (PIEF) and the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) strongly and unequivocally condemn this crime and offer condolences to Vittorio’s family.

Vittorio Arrigoni was an exceptionally brave individual. In 2008, at great risk to his personal safety, he was on a boat that broke through
Israel’s illegal blockade of Gaza. He stayed in Gaza during and after the Israeli bombardment of the territory in 2008-9, helping medics and raising international awareness of the desperate humanitarian situation there.

Arrigoni’s murder at the hands of extremists is a crime against the common humanity of all who seek peace and human rights. Palestinians throughout the region have expressed their outrage and disgust at hearing of his death. EAPPI and PIEF join them in their call for justice on those who committed this vicious act, and we offer our sincerest condolences to Vittorio’s family and friends.