Resistance in a time of annexation and Covid-19 – an ISM webinar

Resistance in a time of annexation and Covid-19 – an ISM webinar

June 30, 20:00 Ramallah time (EEST)

As the world reels from the global COVID-19 pandemic, and the global struggle for racial equality and justice spreads, Palestine once again finds itself at a pivotal moment in the history of its struggle for freedom and human rights.

Covid-19 has caused severe disruptions around the world, and its effects have been extreme in the occupied West Bank and the besieged Gaza Strip. The Israeli Occupation has exacerbated and taken advantage of the global health crisis. In the West Bank, inhumane checkpoints where Palestinians are inhumanely herded have proved major transmission zones for the virus, while illegal settlers increased violent attacks on Palestinians during lockdown. In Gaza, a decade of besiegement that has starved the strip of medical supplies, bombed hospitals, and daily power outages are only some of many problems. All of this has made preparation for the pandemic virtually impossible. Furthermore, the long term issues of overcrowding in refugee camps, water and food shortages, and Israeli bans on importing medical supplies all exacerbate the challenges of social distancing and disease containment. This has led to a rapidly deteriorating situation, termed “A Nightmare Within a Nightmare” by international health experts. 

During the current pandemic, the Israeli government is moving to enact the annexation bill – to extend Israeli control across the Jordan Valley and much of the area surrounding the illegal settlements, legalizing their own crimes with self-created laws. Scheduled for July 1st, the annexation of the West Bank will increase violations of Palestinians’ few remaining rights and create new forms of discrimination and apartheid.

Scheduled on the eve of annexation, the International Solidarity Movement will host a webinar and Q&A session, providing a comprehensive overview of the current oppression of the Palestinians and nonviolent resistance to occupation. Our speakers will explore these issues from a legal, journalistic, and political perspective, together with activists on the ground joining us live from Tulkarem, Nabi Saleh and Gaza.

Huwaida Arraf

The webinar will be facilitated by Huwaida Arraf, a Palestinian-American joining us from Detroit. A civil rights attorney and human rights activist, Huwaida has conducted research for the Public International Law and Policy Group and is a former chairperson of the Free Gaza movement, part of a long career as a human rights and international law specialist. She is also one of the founding members of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM).

Bassem Tamimi

Joining us from the village of Nabi Saleh in the West Bank is Bassem Tamimi. Born ten weeks before the 1967 occupation of Palestine by the Israeli Occupation Forces, Bassem Tamimi has spent his entire life as a grassroots activist. His commitment to non-violent resistance has been recognized by the European Union and Amnesty International. His daughter, Ahed Tamimi, was imprisoned for 8 months as a child for slapping an Israeli soldier after her cousin was shot in the head. He mainly works in Nabi Saleh, a village that has become encircled by Israeli military infrastructure and illegal settlements.

Wafa Aludani

A journalist and coordinator of the Foreign Media Unit in Al-Thorayya, Wafa Aludaini will be joining us from Gaza, where her parents fled during the Nakba. As a journalist she has covered the Israeli siege of Gaza for over a decade, as well as Israeli invasions in 2008 and 2015. More recently, she has reported on the Great March of Return which she attended even as the UN found Israeli snipers had intentionally targeted and killed journalists during the protests.

Abdul-Karim Dalbah

Palestinian journalist, field researcher and human rights defender. An ISM coordinator for almost two decades and an educator in nonviolent resistance, Abdul Kareem has been campaigning for human rights and Palestinian emancipation since the 70’s. Abed will be be talking about the upcoming annexation and strategies for international solidarity with Palestine, based on his decades of experience, historical perspective, and current activism   

Ahmed Abu Artema

Joining from Gaza is a founder of the Great March of Return, Ahmed Abu Artema. Thousands of Palestinians met his call on Facebook in 2018 to take part in a massive peaceful protest towards the barrier fence surrounding them, to demand freedom and the right of return. Ahmed was born in Rafah and is a refugee from Al Ramla village. He works as an independent journalist and author.

International Solidarity Movement (ISM)

The webinar is hosted by ISM. The International Solidarity Movement (ISM) is a Palestinian-led movement committed to resisting the long-entrenched and systematic oppression and dispossession of the Palestinian population, using non-violent, direct-action methods and principles. Founded in August 2001, ISM aims to support and strengthen Palestinian popular resistance with our activists working alongside Palestinians inside the West Bank and Gaza.

 

The Webinar will take place at 20:00 Ramallah time, EEST (17:00 GMT). It will consist of updates, news, and examples of how internationals can support Palestinians during these times. It will also feature an Q&A session; if you have a question, either for a specific activist, or in general, you are welcome to send it in, to ismtraining@riseup.net. The entire webinar will be streamed live on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube.

 

Keep Palestinian-led activism alive during COVID-19

Donate here

To our friends and comrades:

We would like to thank all of you for your continued solidarity and support for the freedom of the Palestinian people, whether through activism, protest, boycott, donations, or raising awareness online and personally. Because of you, the International Solidarity Movement has been able to continue using non-violent methods to resist Israeli apartheid in Palestine for almost two decades. 

ISM is an entirely grassroots funded organization, with no corporate or fixed sponsors, and all of our volunteers are self-funded. However, the global pandemic has forced many countries to adopt exceptional measures, such as quarantines and travel disruptions. Volunteers can no longer travel to Palestine and the consequent economic slowdown has seriously impacted us financially, to a point where we may be forced to close all of our offices in Palestine. This would severely limit our ability to advocate for Palestinian issues, not only during the pandemic but also for months afterwards, preventing us from resuming operations once the lockdown ends. 

With settler attacks up 78% amid the pandemic, and Israeli forces continuing with demolitions, arrests, imprisonment, and shootings of civilians, we believe it is more important than ever to maintain a presence in Palestine. Our goal, with your help, is to raise $7,000(USD) in emergency funds to ensure ISM can continue to operate until the  lockdown resulting from Covid-19 will be gradually lifted and international travel resumes. The funds will be used to cover costs including legal fees (Palestinian and international activists often face unjust arrest and trial for peaceful activism), rental fees for ISM’s offices and volunteer apartments across Palestine, maintaining current projects and media advocacy, transportation, and other incidental costs. 

Over the last 12 months, we have documented and reported on Israeli occupation and ethnic cleansing across Palestine, working as international human rights observers and defenders. Our recent actions include:

  • Our ongoing protective presence program with children in Hebron on their way to and from school.
  • Protective presence for farmers and villages in the South Hebron Hills. 
  • Protective presence for farmers across the West Bank during the olive harvest.  
  • Using direct action to oppose illegal settlement expansion, home demolitions, and arrests by occupying forces. 
  • Documenting, reporting, and media advocacy on human rights abuses and violence against innocent Palestinians. 
  • Internationally, we have continued to provide training for independent activists in non-violent direct action activism.
  • Worked with British researchers on a forensic report into the shooting of a Palestinian child by Israeli forces. 

With the spread of COVID-19 and consequent lockdown across Palestine, our newest projects include:

We are counting on all of you, our friends around the world, to keep ISM’s Palestinian-led, non-violent direct action approach to activism alive and ready to resume during this difficult time. We know that many of us are facing financial difficulties due to the current global crisis. In whatever capacity you are able we ask for your support as we face this unprecedented challenge to our movement. Please donate if you can, any amount helps. Please share this call and most importantly continue to support the Palestinian cause by raising awareness and advocating in your home countries and adhearing to and supporting the Palestinian call for boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) against those complicit in Israeli occupation and apartheid.

Together we can continue to spread solidarity and work for a free Palestine!

Follow the link to donate securely online: https://palsolidarity.org/donate 

If you have any questions or payment issues, tell us about it at palreports@gmail.com 

                                                                                                                                                        

التبرعات هنا

إلى أصدقائنا و رفاقنا :

نود شكركم لتضامنكم ودعمكم للفلسطينيّن سواءً من خلال نشاطكمم، وقفاتكم الاحتجاجية، الاضرابات، الدعم المادي، أو من خلال نشر الوعي والمعرفة عن طريق الانترنت أو شخصيا . 

بسببكم حركة التضامن الدولية استطاعت متابعة استخدام طرق سلمية في مقاومة التميّز العنصري الإسرائيلي في فلسطين لعقدين من الزمن تقريباً.

‏ISM مموّلة بشكل كامل عن طريق المتطوعين والعاملين فيها من دون مساعدة راعٍ  مستمر أو متعاون، جميع المتطوعين في ISM مستقلين ماديا ، على أي حال ، الجائحة العالمية أجبرت الكثير من الدول على اتباع اجرائات استثنائية على سبيل المثال: الحجر الصحي، وإيقاف الرحلات الجوية.

لم يعد بإمكان المتطوعين السفر إلى فلسطين ، والاضرابات الاقتصادية العالمية أثّرت علينا مادياً بشكل كبير ، وقد أوصلتنا إلى مرحلة قد تجبرنا على إغلاق جميع مراكزنا في فلسطين مما سيؤثر بشكل كبير على قدرتنا في دعم وتأيد القضية الفلسطينية، ليس فقط خلال هذه الجائحة ولكن لبضعة شهور بعد انتهائها  أيضاً، مما سيمنعنا من استئناف مشاريعنا عند انتهاء الحجر .

مع ارتفاع هجوم المستوطن بنسبة ٧٨٪؜ وسط الجائحة، ومتابعة القوات الإسرائيلية عمليات التدمير ، التخريب، الاعتقالات و السجن واطلاق النار على المدنيّن نحن نؤمن بأهمية بقائنا في فلسطين أكثر من قبل.

هدفنا بمساعدتكم هو جمع ٧٠٠٠ دولار أمريكي لتمويل طارئ، لضمان استمرارية ISM بالعمل لحين الانتهاء من الحجر الصحي بسبب ڤيروس كورونا المستجد واستئناف الرحلات الجوية.

التمويل سوف يستخدم لتغطية بعض النفقات من ضمنها : ضرائب قانونية ( بعض الفلسطينين والناشطين الدوليّن يواجهون في بعض الأحيان اعتقالات قسرية غير عادلة وتحديات بسبب نشاطهم السلمي)، رسوم إيجار لمراكزنا وشقق المتطوعين عبر فلسطين ، والمحافظة على استمرارية المشاريع الحالية، و التأيد الاعلامي، والمواصلات، وبعض المصاريف الطارئة.

خلال الشهور الاثنا عشر الماضية قمنا بتوثيق الاحتلال الإسرائيلي وما يقوم به من تطهير عرقي في فلسطين، عملنا كمراقبين ومدافعين لحقوق الإنسان الدولية، أعمالنا مؤخراً تضمنت:

مع انتشار ڤيروس كورونا المستجد وما ترتب عليه من حجر صحي في فلسطين، آخر مشاريعنا تتضمن:

 دعم للوضع الحالي في فلسطين عبر الانترنت.

حملة معا، بمشاركة فلسطينين ومنظمات دولية أخرى للمطالبة بإجراء تحقيق مع Herbon funds – مجموعة متطرفة عدائية أمريكية تقوم برعاية الاستيطان الاسرائيلي والاعتدائات العسكرية في الخليل.

نحن نعتمد عليكم جميعاً، أصدقائنا في جميع أرجاء العالم لإبقاء ISM بقيادة فلسطينية و إبقاء نهج النشاط السلمي على قيد الحياة ومهيئ لمتابعة العمل خلال هذه الأوقات العصيبة.

نعلم أن العديد منا يواجه صعوبات مادية بسبب الأزمة العالمية، نحن نطلب المساعدة بأي إمكانية مادية تستطيع عليها، في الوقت الذي نواجه فيه تحدٍ غير مسبوق في حراكنا السلمي . 

الرجاء الدعم،أي مبلغ باستطاعتك سوف يساعدنا.

الرجاء نشر هذا النداء والأهم الاستمرار بدعم الفسطينيّن عن طريق نشر الوعي، وتأيد القضية في بلدك الأم، والالتزام بدعم بدعم النداء الفلسطيني لمقاطعة ،وتعرية، وفرض عقوبات [BDS] ضد المتواطئين مع الاحتلال الاسرائيلي والتميز العنصري. 

معاً يمكننا متابعة نشز التضامن والعمل من أجل فلسطين حرة.

اتبع الرابط للتبرع والدعم بشكل أمن عبر الانترنت:

https://palsolidarity.org/donate 

في حال وجود أي استفسار أو إذا واجهتك مشكلة في الدفع أخبرنا عنها عبر : palreports@gmail.com 

                                                                                                                                                        

Dona aquí

Amigas, amigos y camaradas:

Queremos agradeceros a todas/os vuestra incondicional solidaridad y apoyo a la libertad del pueblo palestino, ya sea a través del activismo, la protesta, el boicot, las donaciones o la sensibilización en línea y presencialmente. Gracias a vosotras, el International Solidarity Movement (ISM) ha podido continuar utilizando métodos no violentos para resistir el apartheid israelí en Palestina desde hace ya casi dos décadas.

ISM es una organización de base y, al igual que todas las personas voluntarias que participan en el movimiento, se autofinancia sin ningún tipo de patrocinio.  Sin embargo, la pandemia ha obligado a muchos países a adoptar medidas excepcionales, como cuarentenas y restricciones de movilidad. Las personas voluntarias ya no pueden viajar a Palestina y la consiguiente desaceleración económica nos ha afectado seriamente a nivel financiero, hasta tal punto que podemos vernos obligadas a cerrar todas nuestras oficinas en Palestina. Esto limitaría severamente nuestra capacidad de abogar por los problemas del pueblo palestino, no sólo durante la pandemia sino también durante los meses venideros, impidiendo que reanudemos las operaciones una vez que termine la cuarentena.

Los ataques por parte de los colonos israelíes han aumentado un 78% durante la pandemia, y mientras que las fuerzas israelíes continúan con demoliciones, arrestos, encarcelamientos y tiroteos de civiles; consideramos que es más importante que nunca mantener una presencia activa en Palestina. Nuestro objetivo, con vuestra ayuda, es recaudar 7.000$ (USD) en fondos de emergencia para garantizar que ISM pueda continuar operando hasta que la cuarentena resultante del COVID-19 se levante gradualmente y se reanude la movilidad internacional. Los fondos se utilizarán para cubrir multas y tasas judiciales (tanto activistas de Palestina como internacionales a menudo se enfrentan a arrestos y juicios injustos por acciones de resistencia pacífica), los costes de alquiler de las oficinas de ISM y los apartamentos de voluntariado en Palestina, el mantenimiento de los proyectos actuales, la difusión mediática, el transporte y otros costes relacionados.

Durante los últimos 12 meses, hemos documentado e informado sobre la ocupación israelí y la limpieza étnica en toda Palestina, trabajando como observadoras/es y defensoras/es internacionales de derechos humanos. Nuestras acciones recientes incluyen:

  • Nuestro programa de presencia protectora continua para el acompañamiento de niños y niñas de Khalil (Hebrón) en su camino de ida y vuelta de la escuela, constantemente acosados por colonos y las fuerzas de ocupación israelíes.
  • Presencia protectora para familias agricultoras y residentes de aldeas en las colinas del sur de Khalil (Hebrón).
  • Presencia protectora para familias agricultoras en Cisjordania durante la cosecha de aceitunas.
  • Uso la acción directa no violenta para oponernos a la expansión ilegal de asentamientos, demoliciones de viviendas y detenciones por parte de las fuerzas de ocupación israelíes.
  • Documentación, generación de informes y difusión en los medios de comunicación sobre los abusos de los derechos humanos y la violencia contra la población palestina.
  • A nivel internacional, hemos seguido brindando formación a activistas independientes en materia de activismo de acción directa no violenta.
  • Colaboración con investigadores británicos en un informe forense sobre el disparo a un niño palestino por parte de las fuerzas de ocupación israelíes.

Con la propagación del COVID-19 y el consiguiente bloqueo en toda Palestina, nuestros proyectos y actuaciones más recientes incluyen:

Contamos con todas vosotras/os, amigas de todo el mundo, para mantener vivo el activismo de acción directa no violenta liderada por activistas palestinas, y poder disponer de los recursos necesarios para seguir actuando durante este difícil momento. Sabemos que muchas de nosotras nos enfrentamos a dificultades financieras debido a la actual crisis mundial. En la medida que os sea posible, os pedimos vuestro apoyo mientras afrontamos este desafío sin precedentes para nuestro movimiento. Por favor, si podéis, donad; ya que cualquier contribución es bienvenida. Compartid este comunicado y, lo que es más importante, continuad apoyando la causa palestina, creando conciencia y abogando en vuestros países de origen a adherirse y apoyar el movimiento de Boicot, Desinversión y Sanciones (BDS) contra la complicidad con la ocupación y el apartheid israelí.

¡Juntas podemos seguir difundiendo la solidaridad y seguir luchando por una Palestina libre!

Haced clic en el enlace para hacer una donación segura en línea: https://palsolidarity.org/donate

Si tenéis alguna pregunta o problema de pago, informadnos al respecto en palreports@gmail.com

                                                                                                                                                        

A nos amis et camarades

Nous aimerions vous remercier tous pour votre solidarité et votre soutien continus à la liberté du peuple palestinien, que ce soit par le militantisme, les manifestations, le boycott, les dons ou la sensibilisation en ligne et personnelle. Grâce à vous, le Mouvement de solidarité internationale (ISM) a pu continuer à résister à la colonisation et à l’apartheid israéliens en Palestine par des méthodes non violentes pendant près de deux décennies.

L’ISM est une organisation entièrement financée par la base, sans entreprise ni sponsor, et tous nos bénévoles s’autofinancent. Toutefois, la pandémie mondiale a obligé de nombreux pays à adopter des mesures exceptionnelles, telles que des quarantaines et des interruptions de voyage. Les volontaires ne peuvent plus se rendre en Palestine et le ralentissement économique qui en résulte nous affecte sérieusement financièrement, au point que nous risquons d’être contraints de fermer tous nos bureaux en Palestine. Cela limite gravement notre capacité à soutenir la cause palestinienne, non seulement pendant la pandémie mais aussi pendant les mois suivants, en nous empêchant de reprendre nos activités une fois le confinement terminé.

Avec des attaques de colons en hausse de 78% dans le contexte de la pandémie, et les forces israéliennes qui continuent les démolitions, les arrestations, les emprisonnements et les tirs sur les civils, nous pensons qu’il est plus important que jamais de maintenir une présence en Palestine. Notre objectif, avec votre aide, est de réunir 7.000 dollars US de fonds d’urgence pour que l’ISM puisse continuer à fonctionner jusqu’à ce que le verrouillage résultant de Covid-19 soit progressivement levé et que les voyages internationaux reprennent. Les fonds seront utilisés pour couvrir les frais, notamment les frais juridiques (les militants palestiniens et internationaux sont souvent confrontés à des arrestations et des procès injustes pour avoir milité pacifiquement), les frais de location des bureaux et des appartements des bénévoles de l’ISM dans toute la Palestine, le maintien des projets en cours et la défense des médias, les transports et autres frais annexes.

Au cours des 12 derniers mois, nous avons documenté et publié des articles sur l’occupation israélienne et le nettoyage ethnique en Palestine, en tant qu’observateurs et défenseurs internationaux des droits de l’homme. Nos actions récentes comprennent :

– Notre programme de présence protectrice continue avec les enfants à Hébron sur le chemin de l’école.

– Présence protectrice pour les agriculteurs et les villages dans les collines du sud d’Hébron.

– Présence protectrice pour les agriculteurs de Cisjordanie pendant la récolte des olives.

– Organisation d’actions directes pour s’opposer à l’expansion des colonies illégales, à la démolition des maisons et aux arrestations par les forces d’occupation.

– Documenter, rapporter et dénoncer dans les médias les violations des droits de l’homme et la violence contre des Palestiniens innocents.

– Sur le plan international, nous avons continué à former des militants indépendants à l’action directe non violente.

– Nous avons travaillé avec des chercheurs britanniques sur un rapport médico-légal concernant le tir des forces israéliennes sur un enfant palestinien.

Avec la propagation de COVID-19 et le verrouillage consécutif de la Palestine, nos projets les plus récents consistent en :

Témoignages en ligne sur la situation actuelle,

– et une campagne, avec des organisations palestiniennes et d’autres organisations internationales, pour exiger une enquête sur le Fonds d’Hébron – un groupe extrémiste américain qui promeut la violence des colons et des militaires à Hébron.

Nous comptons sur vous tous, nos amis du monde entier, pour maintenir vivante l’approche d’action directe non violente de l’ISM, dirigée par des Palestiniens, et prête à reprendre ses activités pendant cette période difficile. Nous savons que beaucoup d’entre nous sont confrontés à des difficultés financières en raison de la crise mondiale actuelle. Dans la mesure de vos moyens, nous vous demandons votre soutien pour faire face à ce défi sans précédent pour notre mouvement. Merci de faire un don, si vous le pouvez, tout montant est utile. Merci de partager cet appel et surtout de continuer à soutenir la cause palestinienne en sensibilisant et en plaidant dans vos pays d’origine, et en écoutant et en soutenant l’appel palestinien au boycott, au désinvestissement et aux sanctions (BDS) contre ceux qui sont complices de l’occupation et de l’apartheid israéliens.

Ensemble, nous pouvons continuer à répandre la solidarité et à travailler pour une Palestine libre !

FAIRE UN DON EN LIGNE EN TOUTE SECURITE.

Si vous avez des questions ou des problèmes de paiement, n’hésitez pas à nous en faire part à l’adresse suivante : palreports@gmail.com ou contact@ism-france.org

                                                                                                                                                        

Dona qui

Ai nostri amici e compagni:

Vogliamo ringraziarvi tutti per la vostra costante solidarietà e sostegno alla libertà del popolo palestinese, sia attraverso l’attivismo, la protesta, il boicottaggio, le donazioni o la sensibilizzazione, online e di persona. Grazie a voi, l’International Solidarity Movement è stato in grado di continuare a utilizzare metodi non violenti per resistere all’apartheid israeliana in Palestina per quasi due decenni.

ISM è un’organizzazione interamente finanziata dal basso, senza sponsor aziendali o fissi e tutti i nostri volontari sono autofinanziati. Tuttavia, la pandemia globale ha costretto molti Paesi ad adottare misure straordinarie, come le quarantene e le interruzioni degli spostamenti. I volontari non possono più recarsi in Palestina e il conseguente rallentamento economico ci ha gravemente influenzato finanziariamente, al punto che potremmo essere costretti a chiudere tutti i nostri uffici in Palestina. Ciò limiterebbe gravemente la nostra capacità di sostenere la questione palestinese, non solo durante la pandemia, ma anche per mesi dopo, impedendoci di riprendere le operazioni una volta terminato il blocco.

Con gli attacchi dei coloni in crescita del 78%  nel bel mezzo della pandemia e le forze israeliane che continuano con demolizioni, arresti, incarcerazioni e sparatorie di civili, riteniamo che sia più importante che mai mantenere una presenza in Palestina. Il nostro obiettivo, con il vostro aiuto, è quello di raccogliere $ 7.000 (USD) in fondi di emergenza per garantire che l’ISM possa continuare a funzionare fino a quando il blocco risultante dal Covid-19 sarà gradualmente revocato e riprenderanno i viaggi internazionali. I fondi verranno utilizzati per coprire i costi, comprese le spese legali (gli attivisti palestinesi e internazionali spesso affrontano arresti e processi ingiusti per attivismo pacifico), i canoni di locazione per gli uffici dell’ISM e gli appartamenti che ospitano i volontari in tutta la Palestina, mantenendo i progetti attuali di difesa, il lavoro sui media, i trasporti e altri costi collaterali.

Negli ultimi 12 mesi, abbiamo documentato e riferito sull’occupazione israeliana e sulla pulizia etnica in tutta la Palestina, lavorando come osservatori e difensori internazionali dei diritti umani. Le nostre azioni recenti includono:

Con la diffusione di COVID-19 e il conseguente blocco in tutta la Palestina, i nostri progetti più recenti includono:

  • Advocacy online sulla situazione attuale
  • Una campagna, insieme a organizzazioni palestinesi e altre organizzazioni internazionali, che richiede un’indagine sull’”Hebron Fund” – un gruppo estremista statunitense che promuove l’odio e sponsorizza la violenza dei coloni e dei militari a Hebron.

Contiamo su tutti voi, i nostri amici di tutto il mondo, per mantenere vivo l’approccio di azione diretta non violenta guidato dall’ISM, e per restare pronti a riprendere dopo questo momento difficile . Sappiamo che molti di noi stanno affrontando difficoltà finanziarie a causa dell’attuale crisi globale. A qualunque titolo ne siate in grado, chiediamo il vostro sostegno mentre affrontiamo questa sfida senza precedenti al nostro movimento.

Se vi è possibile, vi chiediamo di donare. Qualsiasi importo aiuta.
Condividete  questo appello e, soprattutto, continuate a sostenere la causa palestinese sensibilizzando le persone nei vostri Paesi d’origine e ascoltando e sostenendo la richiesta palestinese di boicottaggio, disinvestimento e sanzioni (BDS) contro i complici dell’occupazione israeliana e dell’apartheid.

Insieme possiamo continuare a diffondere solidarietà e lavorare per una Palestina libera!

Segui il link per donare in modo sicuro online: https://palsolidarity.org/donate

In caso di domande o problemi di pagamento, informaci a palreports@gmail.com

                                                                                                                                                        

Hier spenden

An unsere Freund*innen und Kamerad*innen:

Wir möchten Euch allen für Eure fortwährende Solidarität und Unterstützung für die Freiheit des palästinensischen Volkes danken, sei es durch Aktivismus, Protest, Boykott, Spenden oder Online- und persönliche Sensibilisierung. Durch Euch kann International Solidarity Movement seit fast zwei Jahrzehnten gewaltfreie Methoden anwenden, um der israelischen Apartheid in Palästina zu widerstehen.

ISM ist eine vollständig von der Basis finanzierte Organisation ohne Unterstützung von Unternehmen oder sponsoren, und alle unsere Freiwilligen sind selbst finanziert. Die globale Pandemie hat jedoch viele Länder gezwungen, außergewöhnliche Maßnahmen wie Quarantänen und Reisebeschränkungen zu ergreifen. Freiwillige können nicht mehr nach Palästina reisen, und die daraus resultierende wirtschaftliche Abkühlung hat uns finanziell ernsthaft getroffen, bis zu dem Punkt, an dem wir möglicherweise gezwungen sind, alle unsere Büros in Palästina zu schließen. Dies würde unsere Fähigkeit, sich nicht nur während der Pandemie, sondern auch für Monate danach für palästinensische Herausforderungen einzusetzen, stark einschränken und uns daran hindern, den Betrieb wieder aufzunehmen, sobald die Sperrung endet. 

Angesichts der um 78% gestiegenen Siedlerangriffe während der Pandemie und den fortgesetzten Zerstörungen, Verhaftungen, Inhaftierungen und Erschießungen von Zivilipersonen durch die israelischen Streitkräfte halten wir es für wichtiger denn je, in Palästina präsent zu sein. Unser Ziel ist es, mit Eurer Hilfe Notfallmittel in Höhe von 7.000 USD (USD) aufzubringen, um sicherzustellen, dass ISM weiter betrieben werden kann, bis die durch Covid-19 verursachte Sperrung schrittweise aufgehoben und die internationalen Reisen wieder aufgenommen werden. Die Mittel werden zur Deckung von Kosten verwendet, einschließlich Anwaltskosten (palästinensische und internationale Aktivisten werden häufig wegen friedlichen Aktivismus ungerechtfertigt verhaftet und vor Gericht gestellt), Mietgebühren für ISM-Büros und Freiwilligenwohnungen in ganz Palästina, Aufrechterhaltung aktueller Projekte und Medienvertretung, Transport und anderer beiläufigen Kosten.

In den letzten 12 Monaten haben wir als internationale Menschenrechtsbeobachter*innen und Verteidiger*innen die israelische Besatzung und ethnische Säuberung in ganz Palästina dokumentiert und darüber berichtet. Unsere jüngsten Maßnahmen umfassen:

  • Unser laufendes Schutzpräsenzprogramm mit Kindern in Hebron auf dem Weg zur und von der Schule.
  • Schutzpräsenz für Bauern und Dörfer in den South Hebron Hills.
  • Schutzpräsenz für Landwirte im gesamten Westjordanland während der Olivenernte.
  • Einsatz direkter Maßnahmen gegen illegale Siedlungserweiterung, Hauszerstörungen und Verhaftungen durch Besatzungsmächte.
  • Dokumentation, Berichterstattung und Medienvertretung zu Menschenrechtsverletzungen und Gewalt gegen unschuldige Palästinenser*innen.
  • International haben wir weiterhin unabhängige Aktivist innen in gewaltfreiem Direktaktivismus geschult.
  • Arbeit mit britischen Forschern an einem forensischen Bericht über die Erschießung eines palästinensischen Kindes durch israelische Streitkräfte.

Mit der Verbreitung von COVID-19 und der damit verbundenen Ausgangssperre in ganz Palästina umfassen unsere neuesten Projekte:

  • Online-Anwaltschaft über die aktuelle Situation,
  • Und eine Kampagne, die zusammen mit palästinensischen und anderen internationalen Organisationen eine Untersuchung des Hebron Fund fordert – einer extremistischen US-Hassgruppe, die Siedler- und militärische Gewalt in Hebron fördert.

Wir zählen darauf, dass Ihr alle, unsere Freunde auf der ganzen Welt, den von Palästinenser*innen geführten, gewaltfreien direkten Aktionsansatz von ISM für Aktivismus am Leben erhalten und bereit seid, in dieser schwierigen Zeit wieder aufzunehmen. Wir wissen, dass viele von uns aufgrund der aktuellen globalen Krise mit finanziellen Schwierigkeiten konfrontiert sind. In welcher Form   auch immer Ihr in der Lage seid, wir bitten Euch um Eure Unterstützung, wenn wir uns dieser außerordentlichen und neuen Herausforderung für unsere Bewegung stellen. Bitte spendet, wenn Ihr könnt, jeder Betrag hilft. Bitte teilt diesen Aufruf und unterstützt vor allem weiterhin die palästinensische Situation, indem Ihr das Bewusstsein und die Befürwortung in Ihren Heimatländern schärft und den palästinensischen Aufruf zum Boykott, zur Veräußerung und zu Sanktionen (BDS) gegen diejenigen, die an der israelischen Besatzung und Apartheid beteiligt sind, unterstützt.

Gemeinsam können wir weiterhin Solidarität verbreiten und für ein freies Palästina arbeiten!

Folgt dem Link, um sicher online zu spenden: https://palsolidarity.org/donate

Wenn Ihr Fragen oder Zahlungsprobleme habt, teilt uns dies unter palreports@gmail.com mit

                                                                                                                                                        

Dona aquí

Amics, amigues i camarades:

Volem agrair-vos a tots i totes la vostra incondicional solidaritat i suport en la llibertat del poble palestí, ja sigui a través de l’activisme, la protesta, el boicot, les donacions o la sensibilització en línia i de forma presencial. Gràcies a vosaltres, l’International Solidarity Movement (ISM) ha aconseguit continuar utilitzant mètodes no violents per resistir l’apartheid israelià a Palestina des de fa ja gairebé dues dècades.

ISM és una organització no governamental totalment finançada des de la base, sense patrocinadors corporatius o fixos, i totes les persones voluntàries que participen del projecte són autofinançades. No obstant això, la pandèmia ha obligat molts països a adoptar mesures excepcionals, com quarantenes i interrupcions de desplaçaments. Les persones voluntàries ja no poden viatjar a Palestina i la desacceleració econòmica ens ha afectat seriosament a nivell financer, fins a un punt en què ens podem veure obligades a tancar totes les nostres oficines a Palestina. Això limitaria severament la nostra capacitat d’advocar pels problemes del poble palestí, no només durant la pandèmia sinó també durant els propers mesos, ja que no es podrien reprendre les operacions una vegada que acabi la quarantena.

Amb l’augment del 78% dels atacs per part dels colons enmig de la pandèmia i davant del fet que les forces israelianes continuen amb demolicions, detencions, empresonaments i tirotejos a civils, creiem que és més important que mai mantenir una presència activa a Palestina. El nostre objectiu, amb la vostra ajuda, és recaptar 7.000$ (USD) en fons d’emergència per garantir que l’ISM pugui continuar operant fins que el bloqueig resultant del Covid-19 s’aixequi gradualment i es reprenguin els viatges internacionals. Els fons s’utilitzaran per cobrir costos que inclouen impostos o multes (els i les activistes palestines i internacionals sovint s’enfronten a detencions i judicis injustos per accions de resistència pacífica), els costos de lloguer de les oficines d’ISM i els apartaments de voluntariat a Palestina, el manteniment dels projectes actuals, la difusió en mitjans de comunicació, el transport i altres despeses relacionades.

Durant els últims 12 mesos, hem documentat i informat sobre l’ocupació israeliana i la neteja ètnica a tota Palestina, treballant com a observadors/es i defensors/es internacionals  dels drets humans. Les nostres accions recents inclouen:

  • El nostre programa continu de presència per protegir als infants de Khalil (Hebrón) en el camí d’anada i tornada a l’escola, constantment assetjats pels colons i les forces d’ocupació israelites.
  • Presència protectora per a famílies agricultores i residents de pobles als turons del sud de Khalil (Hebrón).
  • Presència protectora per a famílies agricultores a tota Cisjordania durant la collita d’olives.
  • Ús de l’acció directa no violenta per oposar-nos a l’expansió il·legal d’assentaments, demolicions de vivendes i detencions per part de les forces d’ocupació israelites.
  • Documentació, generació d’informes i difusió als mitjans de comunicació sobre els abusos dels drets humans i la violència contra la població palestina.
  • A nivell internacional, hem seguit realitzant formació a activistes independents en matèria d’activisme d’acció directa no violenta.
  • Treball amb investigadors britànics en un informe forense sobre el tret a un infant palestí per part de les forces d’ocupació israelites.

Amb la propagació del COVID-19 i el bloqueig a tota Palestina, els nostres projectes i actuacions més recents inclouen:

Comptem amb tots i totes vosaltres, amics/es de tot el món, per mantenir viu l’activisme d’acció directa no violenta liderada per persones palestines, i poder disposar dels recursos necessaris per seguir actuant durant aquest difícil moment. Sabem que molts i moltes de nosaltres afrontem dificultats financeres a causa de l’actual crisi mundial. En la mesura que us sigui possible, us demanem el vostre suport mentre fem front a aquest desafiament sense precedents per al nostre moviment. Si us plau, si podeu,  doneu. Qualsevol quantitat serà d’ajuda. Compartiu aquesta crida i, el que és més important, continueu donant suport a la causa palestina, creant consciència i advocant, en els vostres països d’origen i de residència, perquè s’adhereixin i donin suport al moviment de Boicot, Desinversió i Sancions (BDS) contra els còmplices de l’ocupació i el apartheid israelià.

Junts i juntes podrem seguir difonent la solidaritat i seguir lluitant per una Palestina lliure!

Fes clic a l’enllaç per fer una donació segura en línea: https://palsolidarity.org/donate

Si teniu alguna pregunta o problema amb el pagament, informeu-nos al respecte a palreports@gmail.com

ISM statement on reported FBI probe

Recently, the Intercept published a report of a surveillance investigation conducted by the FBI on the International Solidarity Movement (ISM). The highly invasive investigation targeted ISM activists, their associates, and other organizations ISM worked with, from 2004 – 2006, using informants as well as physical and telecommunications surveillance.

We, at the International Solidarity Movement, denounce this shameless abuse of power and misuse of public funds in an attempt to criminalize Palestinian solidarity and anti-occupation activism, as well as the current ongoing campaign in some American states to criminalize the BDS movement. ISM activists have been secretly spied on and targeted by various intelligence services, including British, Israeli, and U.S.,  for over 19 years, merely for standing up for the rights of Palestinians.

We call on those who believe that Palestinians are entitled to the same rights as the rest of humanity to take action and raise awareness about local, state, and national attempts to criminalize nonviolent resistance such as BDS and Palestinian advocacy, and boycott those profiting off the Occupation of Palestine.

One of the many FBI surveillance reports on ISM.

According to the Intercept report, an FBI investigation was launched after an American volunteer with ISM was shot and wounded by Israeli forces at a protest in Occupied Palestine. Instead of investigating the foreign army that injured an American citizen exercising his First Amendment-protected right to peaceful protest, the FBI’s response was to probe the survivor. While the 2 primary investigations were launched by the Los Angeles and St. Louis FBI Field Offices, agents from at least 11 cities were involved in spying on various ISM activists and related organizations. Using far right and extremist news sources, the investigation attempted to link ISM to international terrorism.

After two years of investigation, multiple rights and privacy violations, hundreds of pages of reports and tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars wasted, the investigation only proved what we have always maintained: ISM is a non-violent movement committed to ending the Occupation of Palestine through non-violent means.

Notably, the investigation began in March 2004, shortly after the murder of American Rachel Corrie and Briton Tom Hurndall (2003) by the Israeli army. The probe coincided with an Israeli government campaign to de-legitimize ISM and discredit Palestinian rights activists. It also reflects the increase in recent years of FBI investigations into non-violent activist organizations such as Black Lives Matter and Antiwar.com. Today, lobby groups, politicians, and leaders in the United States continue to violate First Amendment-protected rights to free speech through criminalizing non-violent Palestinian activism, such as the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement.

“The fact that ISM was under this kind of extensive investigation is ridiculous and a complete waste of taxpayer money. ISM has always been open and transparent about who we are, what we do, and what we stand for, which is purportedly what this country stands for — freedom and human rights.” — ISM co-founder Huwaida Arraf

“In Dr. King’s time, surveillance was justified in terms of alleged Communist influence; in recent years, surveillance has been justified by alleged association with terrorists. In both cases, U.S. citizens were employing nonviolent action to confront injustice and oppression.” — ISM activist spied on by the FBI, Mark Chmiel

Urgent Call out for Volunteers – Palestinians reject the ‘deal of the century’

Palestinians oppose the “deal of the century” at a protest in al-Khalil (Hebron)

At a time of heightened aggression against Palestinians by Israeli occupation forces suppressing “Deal of the Century” protests across the West Bank the International Solidarity Movement is issuing an urgent call out for volunteers.

 

What is the ‘Deal of the Century?’

On 28 January 2020 Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu announced their annexation plan for Palestine. Purportedly to bring an end to the 52 year occupation of Palestine by Israel, the ‘peace’ plan was put together without any Palestinian input and offers Israel a wish list of their long-held demands, at the expense of Palestinian rights and freedoms.  

Although the US claim the plan offers the prospect of a future Palestinian ‘state,’ it does so at an unacceptable price with Israel unashamedly benefitting. Some of the most significant points include:

  • A proposed Palestinian ‘state’ with very limited sovereignty, for example it would not be permitted to have its own Army, and Israel would retain security control over vital areas such as the sea in Gaza 
  • Establishing Jerusalem as Israel’s ‘undivided’ capital, stripping Palestinians of their current rights to their capital, East Jerusalem
  • Officially recognising illegal Israeli settlements constructed on stolen Palestinian land, bringing them under Israeli control  
  • Annexing further swathes of Palestinian territory including the Jordan Valley
  • Stripping thousands of Arab-Israelis of their citizenship and forcibly transferring them to the West Bank
  • Finally refusing Palestinian refugees the ‘right of return’ to their homes lost in the Nakba

The plan has been resoundingly rejected by the Palestinian leadership and people living through daily oppression. 

 

Why am I needed? 

Protests have erupted across the West Bank in response to Trump’s legitimisation of Israel’s crimes against Palestinians. As usual the protests have been heavily suppressed by the Israeli army with lethal force. Five Palestinian teenagers have already been killed by Israeli soldiers since the deal was announced while dozens more have been injured. Israel’s violent crackdown on Palestinian’s protests against the Deal of the Century are expected to continue. This means we need more volunteers to ensure there is an international presence to document and raise awareness about human rights abuses by the occupation forces. 

 

What would I be doing? 

ISM volunteers support Palestinian resistance by providing protective presence at demonstrations,  observing and documenting any human rights violations against Palestinians by Israeli settlers or soldiers. At this critical time of heightened political tension, we urgently need volunteers to join in solidarity with Palestinians fighting for their right to self-determination.  

Aside from the need for practical solidarity, experiencing the situation for yourself is vital to adequately understand why the ‘deal of the century’ is such a threat to the future of Palestine, and your personal experiences will equip you to lobby and campaign more effectively in your home country.

 

Occupation forces at checkpoint 56, al Khalil (Hebron)

 

Will I receive training? 

ISM will host mandatory two-day training sessions for prospective volunteers before they do any work on the ground.

 

How do I apply? 

You can join ISM as a volunteer for as little as two weeks. However you are likely to gain more from your experience if you can commit to a longer period. We welcome volunteers for periods of up to three months. 

Please send an email to ismtraining@riseup.net to register as a volunteer.

About the legitimisation of the Palestinian oppression in Al Khalil (Hebron)

December 1st | International Solidarity Movement | Al Khalil, occupied Palestine

Last Saturday, November 23rd, was ‘Sarah’s day’, a festivity for the Jewish community that gathers Israeli settlers from all around the occupied Palestinian Territories and Jews travelling from abroad, in the Palestinian city of Al Khalil (also known as Hebron). This year in particular, there has been a special effort by the Hebron Fund to bring as many devotees as possible, who converged in the ‘H2’ zone of Al Khalil, including the old city area and all the surrounding illegal Israeli settlements.

 

A sign on Shuhada Street, Hebron,

 

In their daily life, Palestinians’ right of movement in this zone is severely restricted, and at times forbidden. The incoming celebrations worsened, if possible, the situation. In response to the huge influx of settlers and people coming from abroad, military involvement was significantly increased.

The outcome of these three different factors -massive presence of zionists, increased military presence and effective closing down of the area for the Palestinian residents – was a situation in which the incoming crowds were legitimated to do any type of action inside a de-facto ‘amusement-park’, with the complicity of the army, whose effective duty is to control and suppress local people and activists. The situation resembled the conditions under which the first settlement in Hebron was created. In 1968, a group of Israeli zionists reserved hotel rooms in the old city during a Jewish holiday. Their stay evolved into a permanent occupation, protected by Israeli soldiers and endorsed by the Israeli government.

 

Banner put by zionists during Sarah’s day.

What it was possible to witness from the participants in the Sarah’s day celebrations, seemed to be all the frustration and the rage cumulated during the year, crystallized, materialising into the basest actions, and enabled by an unlimited sense of power. These feelings were exemplified by banners such as “Palestine never existed… and never will” [source: Hebron Fund]. They transformed into overt hostility and aggression against the international activists observing the events. They emerged as physically violent attacks with pepper spray against unarmed Palestinian civilians, including children. This culminated with the stoning of a two-years old sleeping child.

 

A 2 years old kid stoned by the settlers in Tel Rumeida.
This gathering of zionists seems to flush out all the frustration due to the incompleteness of the apartheid process: the Palestinians in Al Khalil are guilty of not being fully subjugated by the racist policies of the state of Israel, and such a gathering is a good opportunity to remind them of the hierarchy that is supposed to be in place.

In view of all this, several questions are raised.
First of all, of course, why? Why such a rage and such a violent spirit? Does Israel not have enough? Illegally occupying a vast majority of Palestinian land seems not to be sufficient. The real occupation and the true oppression is carried out through the routine and persistent humiliation of Palestinians, and the feeling of impotence with which local people are left after every attack. However, it does not take much time for the Palestinians to resume their usual spirit of resistance. Their resilience is stronger than the fascist soul of a bunch of extremist settlers.

Secondly, what is the role of the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) present there? On
Friday afternoon, a group of almost 150 settlers attacked a barber shop on the way to the Kyriat Arba illegal settlement, assaulting the five people inside with pepper spray, wood and furniture. All around, a huge presence of IOF soldiers; did they stop this fascist aggression?

A couple of hours later, a 12 years old child was attacked by a group of settlers, spraying him with pepper spray and kicking him whilst on the ground. Nearby soldiers were stationed at an observation tower 50 meters away; did the soldiers intervene?

 

 

A 12 years old Palestinian kid gased and then kicked by the settlers.

 

In both cases the soldiers did not stop the violence. They observed, and they waited. They waited and watched while the illegal settlers vented their hatred against the Palestinians. At what expense?

A further, even more extreme example, took place on Saturday afternoon. The family of a Palestinian activist living in the Tel Rumeida neighbour (within the ‘H2’ zone) was gathered together in their home, when a group of settlers climbed on the roof and entered their garden. After shouting verbal abuse, the settlers began to throw stones at the house, the family came outside trying, in vain, to convince them to go away. One of the stones passed, not by chance, through a window and hit the two year old nephew of the activist, who was sleeping inside. The soldiers were on the rooftop, “containing” (i.e. observing) the settlers. A Palestinian ambulance could not reach Tel Rumeida: Palestinians are forbidden to drive inside ‘H2’. The only way for the family of the injured child to get him to safety and medical treatment, was to hold him and run, through the throngs of yelling settlers, towards the closest checkpoint. Then they could only hope for the medics to be able to pass the control and take the child. There are at least two past examples this not being possible. In one case, the victim died waiting at the checkpoint. On this occasion, mercifully the child could reach the ambulance, and the medical staff were able to take him to the waiting ambulance.

 

Palestinian medical staff trying to pass the check point 56 in order to enter Shuada street.
Hence it seems clear that the role of the IOF is not to prevent clashes. Not even to defend the Israelis. Their role is to indulge the settlers, whatever the price to pay for the others. In their amusement-park there is no place for disrupters, such as activists, adult and child Palestinians, who are systematically and brutally repressed.

IOF during Sarah’s day.
In the end, what should Palestinians do in order not just to be spectators of their own everlasting humiliation? The answer is more complicated than ever. As time passes by, the imbalance of power shifts further away from them, as the recent US declaration highlights. Active resistance is undermined by both the continued oppression of the Israeli police and the internal conflicts within the Palestinians factions. The presence of international activists helps in documenting the constant violations of basic rights, but is certainly not enough to change the inertia of the dynamics. While hope for change by pure political means weakens, space is created for more radical, and sometimes more appealing, answers based on the juxtaposition of Islamist ideas to the zionist arguments. The international powers, focused on the pure capitalistic interest of maintaining good relationships with Israel as an ally, are responsible for this radicalisation. They, and all those who turn a blind eye to the injustices happening here lose the right to judge the Palestinian means of resistance, in the face of an oppression in which they are accomplices.