International Solidarity Movement - Page 664 - Nonviolence. Justice. Freedom.

Combined Systems Inc.: stop providing equipment that Israel misuses to kill and maim unarmed protesters

3 January 2010: Open letter to Combined Systems Inc written by Palestine solidarity groups

From:
Adalah-NY: The New York Campaign for the Boycott of Israel (adalahny.org)
CodePink: Women for Peace (www.codepink4peace.org)
Jewish Voice for Peace (www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org)
The US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation (www.endtheoccupation.org)

Dear Combined Systems Inc.,

As US groups committed to justice and peace, we are writing to ask that Combined Systems Inc. cease providing CSI equipment to the Israeli government in response to the Israeli military’s ongoing and foreseeable misuse of CSI crowd control equipment to kill and maim protesters in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The Israeli military has demonstrated a pattern of misuse of your equipment, directly leading to the death and injury of unarmed demonstrators in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Over the last two years alone, the Israeli military has used your products to kill two peaceful protesters from one family in the West Bank village of Bil’in, to severely injure two peaceful protesters from the US, and to seriously injure many more. According to the the Israeli human rights group B’Tselem, two other Palestinians were killed by Israeli tear gas in 2002.[1]

As noted on CSI’s website, “Israeli Military Industries” are among CSI’s “military customers and development partners.” CSI has an ethical and legal responsibility to ensure that the Israeli government is using CSI products according to product guidelines. Unfortunately, the Israeli military has a well-documented track record of systematically using excessive force against civilians, including with CSI products as outlined below, and thus is not an appropriate customer for CSI.

Furthermore, it is our understanding that the tear gas sent by CSI to the Israeli military may be provided as part of the US government’s military aid to Israel. For example, for 2007 and 2008, the US State Department provided $1.85 million worth of “tear gasses and riot control agents” to Israel as part of US military aid.[2] As taxpayers, we strongly object to the possibility that CSI may be using our tax dollars to support Israel’s repression of Palestinian rights.

Most recently, on December 31st, 2010, Israeli soldiers fired what was described by multiple eyewitnesses as excessive tear gas at protesters in the West Bank village of Bil’in, resulting in the death of 36 year-old Jawaher Abu Rahmah from Bil’in. Around 1,000 Palestinians, Israelis and foreigners were demonstrating in Bil’in that day against Israel’s construction of a wall through village land, separating residents from their livelihoods in violation of international law. According to Jawaher’s mother Subhiyeh who was with her at the time, “We weren’t even very close to them and the soldiers fired tear gas at us… Jawaher told me that her chest hurt and she couldn’t breathe. Then she fell down and started vomiting.”[3] Jawaher was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital where she died the next morning from cardiac arrest. Protesters gathered tear gas canisters used by Israeli soldiers at the December 31st protest, including one very common canister with the letters CTS written on it.[4] CTS, short for Combined Tactical Systems, is a brand name of CSI.[5]

Tragically, Jawaher Abu Rahmah was the second person in her family to be killed by tear gas that was apparently provided to the Israeli army by CSI. Jawaher’s brother Bassem Abu Rahmah was killed on April 17, 2009 at a peaceful protest in Bil’in when he was hit directly in the chest by a CSI tear gas canister fired from a gun by an Israeli soldier. The Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem reported in an April 21, 2009 letter to the Israeli military’s Judge Advocate General that the direct firing of tear gas at protesters was common practice and violated both Israeli open-fire regulations and CSI product instructions, saying, “The Open‐Fire Regulations require that tear‐gas grenades fired from a launcher be carried out by indirect fire, with the barrel of the rifle aimed upwards at a sixty‐degree angle. The Website of CSI, the American company that manufactures the extended range grenades, explicitly points out that the grenades are not to be fired at individuals, since doing so is liable to cause injury or death.”[6] West Bank protesters have collected examples of CSI extended range grenades that were fired at protesters (see sample photo below from 2009). In response to an Israeli reporter’s submitted query, an Israeli army spokesperson has confirmed in writing that the extended range projectiles are produced by CSI. CSI’s website also explains that these canisters are intended to break indoor barricades.[7] Different CSI products are labeled for outdoor use.

B’Tselem further documented that among those hit by extended range canisters fired directly at protesters was US citizen Tristan Anderson in March 2009. According to B’Tselem, “On 13 March, a Border Police officer fired an extended-range type tear-gas canister that struck Tristan Anderson, an American citizen, during a demonstration in Ni’ilin. B’Tselem’s investigation reveals that the police officer fired the canister directly at Anderson from 60 meters away… The grenade struck him in the forehead, fracturing his skull and injuring the front lobe of his brain.”[8] He is left partially handicapped and suffers slight cognitive damage.” The canister “caused severe traumatic brain injury and blindness in his right eye.”[9] Anderson, who remains in a wheelchair, “has not yet regained the use of the left side of his body.”[10]

In a September, 2010 report, The Popular Struggle Coordination Committee, a coordinating body for unarmed demonstrations in the West Bank, noted that, “According to Palestinian Red Crescent records in Bil’in and Ni’ilin, 18 people have been directly shot at and hit by the high velocity projectiles since their introduction, in these two villages alone.”[11] In addition to the killing of Bassem Abu Rahmah and injury of Tristan Anderson, other severe injuries include those to Bil’in resident Khamis Abu Rahmah who “suffered a fractured skull and brain hemorrhage after being struck in the back of his head with an extended range tear gas projectile. “

Another US citizen, 21-year-old Emily Henochowicz, lost her left eye when an Israeli soldier fired an aluminum tear gas canister directly at her, striking her face during a West Bank protest on May 31, 2010.[12] Protesters have also collected numerous aluminum tear gas canisters with CSI and CTS initials on them that were fired by Israeli soldiers at protesters (see below).

Though B’Tselem reported on May 4, 2009 that Israel’s Judge Advocate General forbade the firing of tear gas canisters directly at protesters, [13] the Popular Struggle Coordination Committee[14] and the Israeli newspaper Ha’aretz[15] documented in December 2010 that the Israeli military has continued to fire extended range tear gas canisters directly at protesters.

Reports by diverse human rights groups including B’Tselem, Human Rights Watch[16] and the UN Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict[17] have documented Israel’s use of excessive and lethal force against civilians. These reports, and the cases cited above of Israel’s specific misuse of CSI products, demonstrate clearly that CSI cannot rely on the Israeli military to use CSI products in an appropriate manner without undue death and severe injury to civilians. Therefore, CSI is obligated to end its sale of these products to the Israeli government.

Thank you for your attention to this issue. We look forward to your response.

– – – – – – – – – –

[1] http://btselem.org/english/statistics/
[2] http://www.fas.org/programs/ssp/asmp/factsandfigures/government_data_index.html#655
[3] http://www.aolnews.com/2011/01/02/palestinian-protester-jawaher-abu-rahmah-dies-from-tear-gas-inha/
[4] Photo above resembles this CSI/CTS model: http://combinedsystems.com/less-lethal/Flash-Bang/Flash-Bangs-Tear-Ball.aspx
[5] http://www.combinedsystems.com/About_us.aspx, see CTS products: http://combinedsystems.com/less-lethal/CTS%20Catalog%202009.pdf
[6] http://www.btselem.org/Download/20090421_Letter_to_JAG_concerning_the_shooting_of_Bassem_Abu_Rahmah_English.pdf
[7] http://combinedsystems.com/less-lethal/Chemical-Munitions/Chemical-Munitions-40mm-Penetrators.aspx
[8] http://www.btselem.org/English/Firearms/20090318_Firing_of_Tear_Gaz_at_Demonstrators.asp
[9] http://www.democracynow.org/2010/11/16/in_first_interview_since_critical_injury
[10] http://justicefortristan.org/
[11] http://www.popularstruggle.org/content/under-repression
[12] http://www.democracynow.org/2010/8/5/exclusiveemily_henochowicz_speaks_out_art_student
[13] http://combinedsystems.com/less-lethal/CTS%20Catalog%202009.pdf
[14] http://www.popularstruggle.org/content/demonstrator-suffers-head-injury-after-being-hit-directly-tear-gas-projectile-nabi-saleh
[15] http://www.popularstruggle.org/content/idf-resumes-use-prohibited-tear-gas-canisters
[16] http://www.hrw.org/en/reports/2005/06/21/promoting-impunity-0
[17] http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/docs/12session/A-HRC-12-48.pdf

Civilian killed by Israeli military in Gaza

2 January 2010 | International Solidarity Movement, Gaza

On Tuesday evening, December 28, 19-year-old Hassan Mohammed Qedeh was killed by the Israeli military in the village of Khoza’a, east of the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis. According to the Israeli forces, and subsequently repeated by various media outlets, he was a resistance fighter. However, witnesses in the area, as well as relatives, have confirmed that he had civilian status at the time when he was killed.

Sometime before sunset, Hassan had gone into the area of the border where an Apache had killed two of his relatives, Issa Abu Rok and Muhammad An-Najjar, two nights before, on December 26—both of them members of the armed resistance. According to his brother Ahmed Qedeh, Hassan ventured into the area to examine the place where his relatives had died. Ahmed says that a sniper sitting in a jeep alongside the border shot Hassan in the leg.

Ahmed added, “Hassan treated himself, while the IDF let him bleed slowly for the subsequent two hours, preventing any emergency vehicles, or his friends, from reaching him. Afterward, they shot munitions from a border-area tank, decapitating him.” He explained that “the area where they killed my brother is flat, free of any obstacles that could have blocked their view. The soldiers must have clearly seen that Hassan was a civilian, without any weapons, and shot anyway.”

According to Ahmed, five of Hassan’s friends repeatedly attempted to save Hassan, but came under heavy fire, and were unable to do so. Eventually they were shelled with a kind of gas bomb which caused them to faint.

According to United Nations figures, 59 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by the IDF this year, 24 of them civilians. The number of wounded has been ten times that—220. And the count rises daily.

Hassan’s uncle, Abd Alazeer Yousef Abu Rjila’a, adds that the Israeli army came back to the crime site on the night of the 29th with a bulldozer that demolished 4 dunams of farming land. The man has not only lost three family members in a few days, but has lost his main source of income: most of his olive trees are uprooted and the water tank is destroyed. The man tried to reach his land twice on December 30th, but was forced to keep away as the army fired bullets at him to ward him off.

“Three families are dependent on me and that area: it’s our only source of income. I was already suffering, both psychologically and physically; I have high blood pressure and asthma, but now I can’t even reach my land, so how can I bring food to the table?” says Abd Alazeer Youssef Abu Rjila.

Demonstrators ‘return’ tear gas canisters to US ambassador’s home

2 January 2011 | +972 Magazine

Arrested Activists in a Tel Aviv Courtroom 2.1.10 Picture Credit: Oren Ziv/Activestills.org — Arrested Activists in a Tel Aviv Courtroom (Picture Credit: Oren Ziv/Activestills.org)

Israeli activists protesting the killing of Bil’in’s Jawaher Abu Rahmah ‘returned’ spent tear gas canisters to the residence of the American ambassador to Israel late Saturday evening. Jawaher Abu Rahmah, 36, was evacuated to the Ramallah hospital on Friday after inhaling massive amounts of tear-gas during the weekly protest in Bil’in, and died of poisoning Saturday morning. The tear gas used by the Israeli forces in Bil’in is manufactured by Combined Systems Inc.; a United States company based in Jamestown, Pennsylvania. This is the first protest where empty tear gas canisters have been returned to an ambassador’s home.

Approximately 25 five Israeli protesters gathered in front of the residence of U.S. Ambassador to Israel, James B. Cunningham, around 1am local time. The protesters ‘returned’ loads of spent tear gas canisters collected in the West Bank village of Bil’in. The demonstrators also made noise throughout the ambassador’s neighborhood, informing residents of how American military aid to Israel is being used to kill unarmed and nonviolent demonstrators in the West Bank. They chanted, “one, two, three, four stop the occupation stop the war. Five, six, seven, eight end the funding (US) end the hate.” This action is one of the first by Israeli activists demanding accountability of a foreign government. Instead of targeting the Israeli public, activists did a symbolic act aimed at the United States. This could signal the future of targeted BDS-style actions (Boycott, Divestment and Sanction) actions by Israelis who witness the destruction of US military aid in the West Bank.

Five demonstrators were arrested in the action and are currently being held in detention. It is unclear when they will be released and on what charges. The action in front of the ambassador’s residence completed a day of protest throughout Israel and the West Bank stemming from Abu Rahmah’s death. On Saturday evening, hundreds demonstrated opposite the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv. Protesters manged to block Kaplan street, a main artery, for over one hour. Eight people were arrested, including a former Knesset member from the left wing Meretz Party, Mossi Raz.

UPDATE 10:47: The arrest of the demonstrators has been extended for 48 hours (until Tuesday). They have been charged with illegal demonstration, resisting arrest (because they locked up arms in order to be arrested together) and tossing spent tear gas canisters over the fence of the US ambassador’s house. The court will convene again on Tuesday in order to see if any more charges will be filed.

UPDATE 11:40: The police now claim that some of the tear gas canisters were still ‘live’ and thus, the activists are being charged with attacking the US Ambassador’s home. Among the demonstrators arrested are those who were simply in the area and not involved in any protest. There is an appeal being filed right now.

Israeli forces kill woman in Bil’in

1 January 2011 | Popular Struggle Coordination Committee

Doctors at the Ramallah hospital fought for Jawaher Abu Rahmah’s life all night at the Ramallah Hospital, but were unable to save her life. Abu Rahmah suffered from severe asphyxiation caused by tear-gas inhalation yesterday in Bil’in, and was evacuated to the Ramallah hospital unconscious. She was diagnosed as suffering from poisoning caused by the active ingredient in the tear-gas, and did not respond to treatment.

Jawaher is the 21st person to be killed at a demonstration against the Wall.

Over a thousand people heeded to the call issued by the Bil’in Popular Committee Against the Wall and Settlements today, and joined the weekly demonstration. Despite the siege laid on the village by the Israeli army, activists – Palestinians, Israelis and internationals – swarmed the hills and valleys surrounding Bil’in by the hundreds and managed to join those already in the village.

Jawaher Abu Rahmah was the sister of Bil’in activist, Bassem Abu Rahmah, who was shot dead with a high velocity tear-gas projectile during a demonstration in the village on April 17th, 2009. See below for a video of his shooting.

Mohammed Khatib, a member of the Bil’in Popular Committee said this morning: “We are shocked and furious for Israel’s brutality, which once again cost the life of a peaceful demonstrator. Israel’s lethal and inhumane response to our struggle will not pass. In the dawn of a new decade, it is time for the world to ask Israel for accountability and to bring about an end to the occupation.”

Adv. Michael Sfard, who represents the village in an appeal against the Wall added: “The son was killed by a directly aimed projectile, the daughter choked in gas. Two brave protestors against a regime that kills the innocent and doesn’t investigate its criminals. We will not quiet, we will not give up, we will not spare any effort until those responsible will be punished. And they will.”

As a new year of resistance dawns, help ISM to support the popular resistance in Palestine

30 December 2010 | International Solidarity Movement

When I locked arms in front of the idling bulldozer, I wanted finances to be the farthest from my mind. As M16- and tear gas-armed soldiers approached us and the Palestinian woman to my right embraced me tighter and my fellow ISM volunteer to my left reached for her medic kit, I did not want to think of money.

That day, we stopped the construction of the Apartheid Wall and the ethnic cleansing of the Al-Walaja village near Bethlehem. When the construction was cancelled and the soldiers returned home, ISM volunteers continued their work inside the village to plan for the next day. Despite our focus on planning, the fear of mounting legal fees and medical funds depleting our desperately stretched funds are too strong a reality to ignore.

The strength that volunteers draw upon daily to complete the demanding and draining tasks of fighting the occupation comes from you. Our work relies on the network of compassionate human beings who believe that justice is both a necessity and a right.

As 2010 comes to an end, the struggle for the liberation of the Palestinian people continues. Consider yourself a pillar of strength for the volunteers of the International Solidarity Movement in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Donate today and the impact will be felt immediately by Palestine solidarity activists, from around the globe, residing in Palestine and resisting the occupation.

Despite the real threat of physical harm, deportation, night raids and arrest, activists continue to join ISM and employ nonviolent direct action tactics in the struggle for justice. ISM is one of the few organizations working directly with Palestinians in the popular struggle against the occupation. As the resistance grows, so does the demand for ISM volunteers. We cannot answer the call without you.

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

*******************************************************************************************************************************

Al tiempo que amanece un nuevo año de Resistencia, ayudad al ISM a apoyar la resistencia popular en Palestina.

Cuando cerré mis brazos en frente de la excavadora al ralentí, yo quería que el tema económico estuviera lo más alejado de mi mente. Mientras los soldados armados con M-16 y gases lacrimógenos se acercaban a nosotros y la mujer Palestina a mi derecha me abrazaba más y más fuerte y mis compañeros voluntarios del ISM a mi izquierda le acercaban el kit médico, no quería pensar en dinero.

Aquel día habíamos parado la construcción del Muro del Apartheid y la limpieza étnica del pueblo de Al-Walaja cerca de Belén. Cuando la construcción se canceló y los soldados volvieron a sus casas, los y las voluntarixs del ISM continuaron su trabajo dentro del pueblo para planificar el siguiente día. A pesar de que nos centramos en la planificación, el miedo de incrementar los honorarios de abogados y los gastos médicos que agotan nuestros fondos que estiramos desesperadamente, son una realidad demasiado fuerte para ser ignorada.

La fuerza que los voluntarios sacan diariamente para llevar a cabo la exigente y necesaria tarea de luchar contra la ocupación viene de ti. Nuestro trabajo confía en la red de seres humanos compasivos que creen que la justicia es tanto una necesidad como un derecho.

Al terminar este 2010 la lucha por la liberación del pueblo Palestino continua. Considérate un pilar de fuerza para los voluntarios del Movimiento Internacional de Solidaridad en Cisjordania y en la Franja de Gaza. Dona hoy y el impacto se sentirá inmediatamente por los activistas de solidaridad con Palestina de todo el mundo, que residen en Palestina y resisten contra la ocupación.

A pesar del peligro real de daño físico, deportación, redadas nocturnas y arresto, los activistas continúan uniéndose al ISM y emplean las tácticas de la acción directa noviolenta en la lucha por la justicia. El ISM es una de las únicas organizaciones que trabajan directamente con los Palestinos en la lucha popular contra la ocupación. A medida que crece la resistencia, así también la demanda de voluntarios/as del ISM. No podemos responder los llamamientos sin tí.

Sigue el link de más abajo para donar online, https://palsolidarity.org/donate.

*******************************************************************************************************************************

A l’aube d’une nouvelle année de résistance, aidez ISM à soutenir la résistance populaire en Palestine

Lorsque je me suis mis, les bras croisés, face au bulldozer qui avançait lentement, j’aurais aimé que les questions d’argent soit le plus loin possible de mes préoccupations. Tandis que les soldats armés de M16 et de grenades lacrymogènes s’approchaient de nous, que la Palestinienne à ma droite me serrait plus fort et que mon collègue d’ISM à ma gauche attrapait sa trousse médicale, j’aurais aimé ne pas avoir à penser à l’argent.

Ce jour-là, nous avons interrompu la construction du mur d’apartheid et le nettoyage ethnique du village d’Al-Walaja, près de Bethléem. Lorsque la journée de construction a été annulée et que les soldats sont rentrés à leurs casernes, les bénévoles d’ISM ont repris leur travail dans le village pour préparer l’action du lendemain. Bien que concentrés sur les préparatifs, la crainte des frais juridiques et médicaux en augmentation qui appauvrissent nos fonds désespérément tendus était une réalité trop forte pour que nous l’ignorions.

C’est de vous que les bénévoles puisent quotidiennement leur force pour accomplir les tâches exigeantes du combat contre l’occupation. Notre travail s’appuie sur un réseau d’êtres humains empathiques qui croient que la justice est à la fois une nécessité et un droit.

Tandis que 2010 se termine, la lutte pour la libération du peuple palestinien continue. Considérez-vous comme une force pour les militants du Mouvement International de Solidarité en Cisjordanie et dans la Bande de Gaza. Ce que vous donnerez aujourd’hui aura un impact qui se fera sentir immédiatement parmi les militants de la solidarité qui sont en Palestine et qui résistent à l’occupation.

Malgré les menaces réelles d’atteinte physique, d’expulsion, de raids nocturnes et d’arrestations, des activistes continuent de rejoindre ISM et de mettre en pratique des tactiques d’actions directes non violentes dans la lutte pour la justice.

ISM est l’une des seules organisations qui travaillent directement avec les Palestiniens dans la lutte populaire contre l’occupation. La résistance grandit, et le besoin de militants bénévoles ISM aussi. Nous ne pouvons répondre à cet appel sans vous.

Pour donner en ligne, suivez ce lien : https://palsolidarity.org/donate.

*******************************************************************************************************************************

Mit dem Beginn eines neuen Jahres braucht die ISM Deine Hilfe für die fortgesetzte Unterstützung des zivilen Widerstandes in Palästina

Als ich Schulter an Schulter vor dem wartenden Bulldozer stand, wollte ich zu allerletzt an Finanzielles denken. Als mit M16 und Tränengas bewaffnete Soldaten sich uns näherten und die Palästinenserin an meiner rechten Seite mich fester hielt und meine Kollegin von der Internationalen Solidaritätsbwegung (ISM/International Solidarity Movement) zu meiner linken nach ihrem Verbandszeug griff, wollte ich nicht an Geld denken.

An diesem Tag hielten wir die Konstruktion der Apartheidmauer und die ethnische Säuberung des Dorfes Al-Walaja bei Betlehem auf. Als die Bauarbeiten abgesagt und die Soldaten nach Hause gegangen waren, setzten die Freiwilligen der ISM ihre Arbeit im Dorf fort und planten den nächsten Tag. Obwohl wir uns ganz auf die Planung konzentrieren wollen, sind unsere finanziellen Sorgen angesichts steigender medizinischer und gerichtlicher Kosten, die unser Budget bis an die Grenzen belasten, eine Realität, die wir nicht länger ignorieren können.

Die Stärke, die die Freiwilligen täglich benötigen, um die anspruchsvollen und Kräfte zehrenden Aktionen im Widerstand gegen die Besatzung auszuführen, kommt von Dir. Unsere Arbeit stützt sich auf ein Netz von Mitmenschen, die davon überzeugt sind, dass Gerechtigkeit eine Notwendigkeit und ein Recht ist.

Das Jahr 2010 geht zu Ende und der Kampf für die Befreiung des palästinensischen Volkes geht weiter. Dein Beitrag ist unverzichtbar für die Unterstützung der Freiwilligen der Internationalen Solidaritätsbewegung in der Westbank und in Gaza. Mach Deine Spende heute und Du wirst sofort und unmittelbar die Bedingungen für palästinensische Solidaritätsaktivisten aus der ganzen Welt verbessern, die in Palästina leben und gegen die Besatzung Widerstand leisten.

Obwohl Mitglieder der ISM unter der konkreten Androhung von Verletzungen, Deportationen, nächtliche Razzien und Festnahmen stehen, sind Aktivisten immer neu bereit, zur Internationalen Solidaritätsbewegung zu kommen, um sich an den gewaltlosen Aktionen im Kampf für Gerechtigkeit zu beteiligen. Die ISM ist eine der wenigen Organisationen, die in unmittelbarer Zusammenarbeit mit Palästinensern am weitverbreiteten friedlichen Widerstand gegen die Besatzung teilnehmen. Je mehr sich die Widerstandsbewegung verbreitet, desto mehr ISM – Freiwillge benötigen wir. Unsere Beteiligung ist ohne Dich nicht möglich.

Für eine Online- Spende folge dem Link hier: https://palsolidarity.org/donate.

*******************************************************************************************************************************

Al termine di un altro anno di resistenza, aiuta l´ISM a sostenere la resistenza popolare in Palestina

Nel momento in cui ho incrociato le braccia di fronte a quel bulldozer immobile avrei voluto che l´aspetto finanziario fosse lontano dalla mia mente. Mentre soldati armati di M16 e gas lacrimogeno ci avvicinavano e la donna Palestinese alla mia destra cominciava a stringermi piu forte e il mio compagno dell´ISM alla mia sinistra afferrava il suo kit medico, io non avrei voluto dover pensare al denaro.

Quel giorno, riuscimmo a fermare la costruzione del muro dell´apartheid e la pulizia etnica del villaggio di Al-Walaja vicino a Betlemme. Dopo che la costruzione del muro fu abbandonata e i soldati fecero ritorno a casa, i volontari dell´ISM continuarono il loro lavoro nel villaggio facendo il piano per il giorno successivo. Malgrado i nostri progetti sull´aspetto della pianificazione delle attività, la paura rispetto alle sempre crescenti spese legali e alle sempre piu esigue risorse mediche cominciarono a diventare un fatto troppo importante per essere ignorato.

La forza da cui i volontari attingono quotidianamente per portare avanti il compito estenuante di combattere contro l’occupazione viene da voi. Il nostro lavoro si basa su un network di persone che credono che la giustizia sia una necessità e, nello stesso tempo, un diritto.

Anche col finire dell’anno 2010, la lotta per la liberazione del popolo palestinese continua. Considerati un pilastro della forza cui attingono i volontari dell’International Solidarity Movement nella Cisgiordania\West Bank e nella striscia di Gaza. Se fai una donazione oggi stesso i volontari internazionali residenti in Palestina resistendo all’occupazione ne sentiranno immediatamente i benefici.

Nonostante la minaccia reale del poter essere feriti, della deportazione, delle retate e degli arresti notturni, altri attivisti si aggiungono all’ISM adottando tattiche di nonviolenza attiva e diretta nella lotta per la giustizia. L’ISM è una delle poche organizzazioni che lavorano
direttamente con i Palestinesi nella battaglia popolare contro l’occupazione. Al crescere della resistenza, cresce la domanda e il bisogno di attivisti MA non possiamo rispondere a questa chiamata senza il tuo aiuto.

Segui il link seguente per donare on line, https://palsolidarity.org/donate.

*******************************************************************************************************************************

Direniş yeni bir yılına girerken Uluslararası Dayanışma Hareketine desteğinizle halkın yanında olun!

Önümdeki buldozere elimle dayanırken parapul işlerinin aklımı kurcalamasını istemezdim.
M16 lı gas silahlı asker bize yaklaşırken, Filistinli kadın ve ISM’li arkadaş yardım çantasıyla bana yaklaşırken gene parapulu dert etmek istemem.

O gün için Ayrım Duvarının inşaatını durdurmuştuk, Beytüllahim kenarındaki El Vilaye köyündeki etnik arındırmaya karşı durmuştuk. İnşaat ara verince askerler geri dönünce ISM gönüllüleri olarak köyün içinde faaliyete devam ettik, müteakip günleri düşünmeye başlamıştık. Planlara odaklandık ama tıbbi yardımlar ve gündelik faaliyet masrafları da korkutuyordu: Kaçınılmaz gerçekler.

Gönüllülerin işgale karşı verebilecekleri mücadele gösterebilecekleri direniş sizlere bakıyor. Bizim yapageldiklerimiz bir çevreye dayanıyor. Adaletin hem bir ihtiyaç hem de bir hak olduğuna inanan insanların çevresine.

2010 yılı geçti ve Filistin halkının kurtuluş mücadelesi devam etmekte. Kendinizi ISM’nin Batı Şeria ve Gazze Şeridindeki gönüllülerinin dayanağı addediniz.Bugün desteğinizi gönderin yarın bunun Filistin için dünyanın her yerinden gelip işgale karşı direnen insanlar neznindeki etkisini göreceksiniz.

Fiziken hedef almalara, sınırdışılara, gece sorgularına rağmen gönüllüler ISM’de bulunmaya ve şiddet-dışı doğrudan eylemlerle adalet arayışına devam ediyorlar.

ISM, Filistinlilerle birlikte doğrudan halkın içinde işgale karşı direniş veren yegane kuruluştur. Direniş büyürse ISM gönüllüleri de artacaktır.

N’olacağını siz olmadan biz de bilemeyiz.

Yardım için linkimiz: https://palsolidarity.org/donate