Just Jerusalem
1 March 2010
WHAT: A global call to action in solidarity with the residents of Sheikh Jarrah
WHERE: Around the globe and into the streets
WHEN: 6 March 2010
WHY: Sheikh Jarrah is a unique community in occupied East Jerusalem. The plight of this community is emblematic of the larger Palestinian struggle for Justice. The families in Sheikh Jarrah have been evicted by a racist government and settlers now occupy their homes. The Palestinians of Sheikh Jarrah face daily harassment from both the settlers occupying their homes and the Israeli military.
This is a call for global direct actions.
The organizers of the weekly demonstrations in Sheikh Jarrah are asking for global solidarity as they plan for massive demonstrations in Jerusalem and greater Israel. They are calling for demonstrations and vigils at Israeli consulates and embassies abroad.
As many of you may not have access to Israeli consulates and embassies, we ask you to occupy everything. If you’re a student, occupy your administrative offices and demand divestment from any company who profits from the occupation in conjunction with demanding justice for Sheikh Jarrah. If you’re not a student, occupy any and all halls of governance. Demand that they pass resolutions condemning the occupation of Palestine and promise to withdraw support for it, in conjunction with demanding justice for Sheikh Jarrah. If you are unable to occupy anything, get out of the sidewalks and into the streets.
Demand Justice for Palestine and Justice for Shiekh Jarrah.
Background:
In August 2009, the Ghawis were evicted from their home after the Israeli court accepted forged Ottoman-era land-claims from a right-wing Zionist settler organization. The land-claims cited that Jewish people owned the land in the late 19th century and therefore should legally be in possession of people with a Jewish heritage. This is an illegal, unilateral right of return!
Since the eviction, the Ghawis have lived on the street opposite their home. The family lives on a tent on the sidewalk, watching settlers enter and exit the house they called their home since 1956. The live in their tent in act of protest and are determined to stay there until they are allowed to return to their home.
The Al-Kurds have had the front partition of their home annexed by the settlers on the First of December 2009. The back partition of their home is at risk of settler occupation in the following weeks.
Despite this horrendous attempt to ethnically cleanse Sheikh Jarrah, there is resistance. Israeli activists commenced weekly demonstrations in the community and ISM volunteers are on-site 24/7. In the beginning they mood was jubilant; drums and chanting which called out the racism and injustice of the settlers actions. But these demonstrations were escalated by police violence. Over 100 people have been arrested demonstrating or participating in acts of nonviolent direct action and civil disobedience.
Help the Palestinian families of Sheikh Jarrah find justice! Join our global call to action 6 March 2010