The Days of Resistance for Palestine between 7-9 August 2020 brought together thousands of organizers and supporters of justice for Palestine around the world to stand with the Palestinian people, their resistance to colonization, annexation and occupation and their struggle for justice, return and liberation throughout Palestine, from the river to the sea.
Despite attacks from high-level Israeli officials that aimed to suppress these actions, noting that they had “warned Western governments” about the protests, over 100 organizations joined Samidoun’s call for the Days of Resistance, with an array of diverse actions taking place around the world. These events included protests, car caravans, art and cultural interventions and public educational events, all in support of the Palestinian people and their right to resist.
Read on for a detailed report on the events and actions around the world.
VIDEO:
This video for the Days of Resistance was created by the Collectif Palestine Vaincra in Toulouse, France, a member organization of the Samidoun network, which also organized several events and actions. It highlights the over 100-year history of Palestinian resistance to colonialism, Zionism and imperialism.
Thursday, 6 August – Confronting Elbit
London
The Days of Resistance kicked off with a powerful direct action on Thursday, 6 August, organized by new British network Palestine Action at the office of Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems in London:
Direct action at the offices of Israeli arms company Elbit in London for the 2nd time — we will continue to escalate until we #ShutElbitDown pic.twitter.com/JZIkgADmVn
— Palestine Action (@Pal_action) August 6, 2020
Activists covered the reception and outside the Elbit offices on the 6th floor in paint, using stencils and spraying graffiti stating “Shut Elbit Down”, “Tested on Palestine, used in Kashmir” and “We will be back”. They declared, “Your profits are covered in Palestinian blood!” Elbit supplied 85% of the Israeli military’s drones used in the bombardment of Gaza in 2014 and markets them to the world based on their “success” in use against Palestinian civilians.
“We will not stop, and we will continue to escalate our actions until Elbit Systems complicity in war crimes and apartheid here in the UK are shut down,” Palestine Action organizers declared.
Friday, 7 August – Taking the Streets
Copenhagen
On Friday, 7 August, the Days of Resistance officially launched as Mohammed Khatib, Europe coordinator of the Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network, addressed a “people’s kitchen” in Copenhagen at an event organized by the Stop Annekteringen af Palæstina 2020 (Stop Annexation of Palestine 2020) coalition, including the Internationalt Forum.
The event was attended mostly by youth activists in Copenhagen, and included a comprehensive discussion of the Palestinian struggle as well as the situation of Palestinian prisoners. A massive banner highlighting the campaign to free Georges Ibrahim Abdallah and Ahmad Sa’adat framed the room.
Madrid
Also on Friday, 7 August, activists with Alkarama: Palestinian Women’s Movement, Unadikum International Brigades and Samidoun called for a protest that marched through the streets of Madrid in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their resistance.
https://twitter.com/EKO_Carabanchel/status/1292070535057244160
Marchers carried a banner demanding freedom for political prisoners as well as highlighting Palestinian prisoners, including student prisoners like Mays Abu Ghosh and Ruba Fahmi.
“Our struggle against Zionism and colonialism continues, until the return of all Palestinian refugees to our homeland, the liberation of the land and the people and the construction of a democratic society in all of Palestine, a society of justice, freedom and equality,” declared Jaldia Abubakra of Alkarama, presenting the statement of the demonstration.
New York City
In New York City, the NY4Palestine Coalition, led by Within Our Lifetime – United for Palestine alongside member organizations Al-Awda, the Palestine Right to Return Coalition; American Muslims for Palestine – NJ; Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network and many community endorsers, organized a massive Day of Resistance protest, marching through the streets of Brooklyn from the heart of the Palestinian community in Bay Ridge.
The rally drew together hundreds in the Arab and Palestinian communities as well as an outpouring of internationalist solidarity from youth representing other neighborhoods and struggles.
Las Vegas
In Las Vegas, Nevadans for Palestinian Human Rights joined with Jewish Voice for Peace – Las Vegas and Las Vegas Democratic Socialists of America to organize a rally and car caravan for the Days of Resistance, headed by a large mobile billboard truck carrying bright messages in solidarity with the Palestinian struggle and the Days of Resistance.
Saturday, 8 August – Actions Around the World
Anaheim
The actions continued on Saturday, 8 August as the Palestinian Youth Movement came together with Al-Awda, the Palestine Right to Return Coalition for a rally and car caravan in Anaheim, California. Protesters highlighted Palestinian joint struggle with liberation movements around the world, especially the Black Liberation Movement, and emphasized the demand to defund and abolish the police:
Boston
Also, on Saturday, 8 August, the Alliance for Water Justice in Palestine protested in Porter Square, Cambridge, to raise awareness and attention against Israeli apartheid, focusing particularly on the recent arrest of Palestinian human rights defenders like Mahmoud Nawajaa of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions National Committee in Palestine.
Berkeley
In Berkeley, California, the Palestinian Youth Movement organized a banner drop at the 1-80 Bike Bridge over the interstate, which included participants on foot, bikes and cars, carrying the message of a free Palestine from the river to the sea. Dozens of Palestinian youth and their supporters participated in this action that caught the eyes and the attention of thousands of motorists.
Dearborn
The Days of Resistance march in Dearborn, jointly organized by the Palestinian Youth Movement and Detroit Will Breathe, brought members of the Arab, Black, Indigenous and Filipino struggles for justice together to march against Zionist land theft and the global fight against racism, colonialism and the military industrial complex.
As the PYM noted, “From Dearborn and Detroit to Palestine, Lebanon and beyond, we stand firm against imperialism.”
The powerful march reflected collective resistance to all forms of oppression and injustice.
Vancouver
In Vancouver, Samidoun joined the Canada Palestine Association, BDS Vancouver Coast Salish Territories, Independent Jewish Voices UBC and more, including Queers Against Israeli Apartheid Vancouver for a protest march and action highlighting international struggles against imperialism and collective resistance against Zionism and imperialism.
Speakers emphasized the ongoing struggle for freedom in Kashmir, the movement of the people of the Philippines, Israeli complicity in repressing people’s rights in Colombia, as well as the settler-colonial anti-indigenous alliance between Canada and the Israeli state.
The protest also marched to London Drugs and the BC Liquor Store to highlight boycott campaigns, specifically targeting Teva Pharmaceuticals, HP technology products and Israeli settlement wines, sold in provincial stores despite being produced on the occupied lands of the Palestinian West Bank and Golan Heights.
Speakers emphasized that many of the same officials and companies responsible for the repression of Indigenous sovereignty on Turtle Island are also involved in profiting from the colonization of Palestine.
Toulouse
On Saturday, 8 August, the Collectif Palestine Vaincra organized a stand for Palestine at metro Jean-Jaures in Toulouse as part of the Days of Resistance, distributing hundreds of flyer and leaflets highlighting the boycott of Israel and corporations profiting from the colonization of Palestine.
Participants also raised 270 EUR to support the Al-Naqab Center in Bourj al-Barajneh camp in Lebanon after the devastating explosion in Beirut on 4 August. They carried signs and placards calling for the liberation of Palestinian political prisoners, especially Ahmad Sa’adat and Khalida Jarrar, and carried Palestinian and Lebanese flags.
Auckland
On 8 August, activists from Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa – Auckland/Tamaki Makaurau organized an action for the Days of Resistance to demand an end to New Zealand’s complicity with Israeli war crimes, calling for New Zealand officials to put an end to military coordination with the Israeli occupation. They received many honks of support from passing cars before marching to New Zealand army headquarters to demand that NZ stop purchasing weapons from Israel.
Gothenburg
In Gothenburg, Sweden, organizers with Samidoun Gothenburg joined with a number of Palestinian and solidarity organizations to hold a protest, “Palestine will never give up!” at Gustaf-Adolfs-Torg in central Gothenburg.
Protesters highlighted the case of Palestinian child prisoners as well as supporting Palestinian resistance, especially amid ongoing annexation threats by the Israeli colonial regime.
Malmo
Protesters also took to the streets in Malmo, Sweden, gathering at Stortorget in a rally against annexation organized by the Palestinska Rättvisecentret i sverige. They gathered to demand justice for Palestine and stand together against ongoing Israeli colonization.
Copenhagen
In Copenhagen, activists continued their actions for the Days of Resistance, as activists organized a “Free Palestine” banner drop in the city center on 8 August.
Manchester
In Manchester, Fight Racism! Fight Imperialism! organized a protest and stand highlighting solidarity with the Palestinian resistance, especially the Palestinian prisoners.
Activists gathered in Piccadilly Square to distribute information, highlight anti-imperialist struggle and build solidarity with the Palestinian people, including campaigns to boycott complicit British corporations like Marks and Spencer.
London
In London, Protest for Palestine and Victory to the Intifada organized a demonstration in Kensington as part of the Days of Resistance.
Protesters also expressed solidarity and support for fellow liberation struggles, with speakers from the West Papua movement showing solidarity with Palestine and building joint struggle at the protest.
Liverpool
In Liverpool, Fight Racism! Fight Imperialism! organized a stand and protest action in a busy area of the city, joining the Days of Resistance with a call for freedom for Palestine and all revolutionary political prisoners around the world.
Glasgow
Fight Racism! Fight Imperialism! in Glasgow and the Revolutionary Communist Group took to the streets to join the Days of Resistance on 8 August.
Participants cheered: “Long Live Palestine! Victory to the Intifada! Freedom for all Palestinian political prisoners! Zionism is racism!” They highlighted the cases of Palestinian prisoners, including Ahmad Sa’adat and Georges Ibrahim Abdallah.
The action also highlighted the struggle of Irish political prisoners and those being persecuted by British imperialism in Ireland, demanding justice for Liam Campbell, Ciaran Maguire and Zack Smyth.
Brighton
The Brighton and Hove Palestine Solidarity Campaign organized an action in Brighton’s city center on Saturday, 8 August for the Days of Resistance. Participants carried massive Palestinian flags and banners declaring: “No Annexation, No Occupation” and “Justice for Palestine.” They highlighted the cases of Palestinian political prisoners and human rights defenders jailed by Israel, calling for freedom and justice for Palestine:
Today we also demand the release of Palestinian #BDS organiser Mahmoud @Nawajaa – arrested & held without charge or access to lawyers by Israel.#FreeMahmoud !! pic.twitter.com/nMKrZh6K7u
— Brighton PSC (@BrightonPSC) August 8, 2020
Some of our supporters out today in a busy #Brighton city centre for the global #DaysOfResistance pic.twitter.com/UUDGlrIrcz
— Brighton PSC (@BrightonPSC) August 8, 2020
Several additional actions also took place on 8 August, with XR Peace organizing a workshop on annexation and resistance in Palestine as part of a peace and solidarity fast remembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Knighton, Wales, while activists in Long Beach, California, organized a solidarity stand at the roadside on 8 and 9 August calling for justice in Palestine.
Sunday, 9 August – The Resistance Continues
Bloomington
On Sunday, 9 August, the resistance continued as the Culture Work Collective and For the People Bloomington in Bloomington, Indiana, collected and distributed for postering around the city a number of posters and images created to support the Days of Resistance and the Palestinian people’s struggle for liberation.
Montreal
Many organizations and activists in Montreal, including the Fondation canado-palestinienne du Québec, Independent Jewish Voices, SPHR McGill, SPHR UdeM, Academics for Palestine and the Canadian Foreign Policy Institute, joined together in a mass demonstration on Sunday, 9 August to call for an end to the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement.
Hundreds joined the march, which included a massive Palestinian flag that stretched down the street alongside Metro Jarry.
Toronto
In Toronto, the Palestinian Youth Movement organized a youth art-focused action on Sunday, 9 August as part of the Days of Resistance, first at Yonge and Dundas Square and then moving to the steps of Ryerson University. Participants distributed information about Palestinian political prisoners and the threatened annexation of Palestine, spoke out about the ongoing attacks on Palestine and the Palestinian people’s continued resistance and created signs and banners.
Participants also shared Palestinian culture, including plants, food, embroidery, music and dance, and linked the Palestinian struggle with liberation movements globally, including the Indigenous struggle for sovereignty and self-determination and the Black Liberation Movement.
Toulouse
The Days of Resistance continued in Toulouse as the Collectif Palestine Vaincra created a mural to salute the Palestinian resistance on Sunday, 9 August. With the word “resistance”/muqawama in Arabic at the center, the mural also highlighted various Palestinian figures of resistance: Ghassan Kanafani, Samira Azzam and Basil al-Araj alongside a map of Palestine from the river to the sea.
Participants carried Palestinian flags and banners for Samidoun and the Collectif Palestine Vaincra as they created the mural collectively.
Copenhagen
Further actions for the Days of Resistance continued in Copenhagen, where the Internationalt Forum – Middle East Group hosted Mohammed Khatib, Europe coordinator of Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network, for an event remembering the legacy of Ghassan Kanafani’s revolutionary cultural work and commitment to Palestinian resistance.
The event was attended by Anni Kanafani, Ghassan Kanafani’s widow and the founder of the Ghassan Kanafani Cultural Foundation, which runs kindergartens and children’s programs throughout the Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, as well as Fayez Kanafani, Ghassan Kanafani’s son. Anni Kanafani introduced Mohammed Khatib, noting that Mohammed, as a child, had attended summer programs organized by the Foundation in Ain el-Helweh refugee camp.
The event was moderated by Irene Clausen of the Internationalt Forum, longtime Palestine organizer and author of the book, “The PFLP and Palestine” (published in Danish.)
Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, Samidoun Nederland organized an action for the Days of Resistance on Museumplein, which included a discussion of the revolutionary cultural and political legacies of Ghassan Kanafani and Naji al-Ali. Participants carried signs in support of Palestinian political prisoners, including Ahmad Sa’adat and Georges Ibrahim Abdallah.
They also joined the large action for Indigenous Peoples’ Day, alongside Makibas Foundation, Free West Papua Campaign, Building the Baileo and several Kurdish organizations to express anti-colonial and anti-imperialist solidarity.
Cleveland
Midwest SJP and the Palestinian Youth Movement organized a Day of Rage in Cleveland on Sunday, 9 August for the international action days, marching from Public Square to defend Palestine against colonization and annexation.
Online Events Continue the Resistance
The Days of Resistance also included several online events and actions. Samidoun Network in occupied Palestine, along with Palestinian Youth Movement, Al Naqab Center and the HIRAK (Palestinian Youth Mobilization in Berlin) hosted an online webinar with Palestinian writer Khaled Barakat and Bir Zeit University professor Amira Silmi on Saturday, 8 August, discussing the lives, struggles and revolutionary legacies of Naji al-Ali and Ghassan Kanafani (in Arabic).
Watch the full video below:
In Brazil, the Frente em Defesa do Povo Palestino organized an online event remembering Ghassan Kanafani and expressing their commitment to continued struggle as part of the Days of Resistance on 8 August. Participants also expressed their solidarity with the people of Lebanon, especially workers and refugees, amid the explosion in Beirut and its aftermath. Watch the video (in Portuguese)
BDS Bahrain organized an online event for the Days of Resistance, “Boycott as a Duty,” in which Prof. Abdel-Rasoul Ashour spoke about the importance of confronting normalization, especially in the Arab region. Watch the full video in Arabic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gy1i0HQDEg&feature=youtu.be
The We Rise Podcast created a podcast, with interventions, music and more, for the Days of Resistance, with the theme, “No to Annexation.” The creators noted, “Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network has called for all organizations in support of Palestinian liberation to endorse the “Days of Resistance”, in occupied Palestine and internationally, August 7-9, 2020. In response, Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM) chapters and many organizations across the nation are participating in actions throughout this weekend.”
Listen to the podcast:
Listen to “Days of Resistance, No to Annexation” on Spreaker.
BDS Boston also organized online cultural interventions as part of the Days of Resistance and Black August, highlighting Palestinian and Black writings of resistance. The BDS Boston campaign has featured works by Ghassan Kanafani, Kamal Nasir, George Jackson, Fadwa Tuqan and more, including a video of “Here we shall stay” by Tawfiq Zayyad:
A new organization in Munster, Germany, Palästina Antikolonial Munster, launched during the Days of Resistance after organizing a protest on 25 July against annexation and colonization in Palestine. Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network salutes Palästina Antikolonial Munster and its clear anti-racist, anti-colonial vision and commitment to the liberation of Palestine.
Samidoun Stockholm also issued a statement for the Days of Resistance, emphasizing: “This weekend’s mobilizations show that another world is possible. Samidoun Stockholm claims with the utmost clarity that we also have to intensify our conscious struggle against imperialism and its lackeys. We extend our warmest greetings of solidarity to the struggling peoples around the world and we extend our promise to strengthen practical international solidarity. We demand:
Freedom for all Palestinian prisoners! France and the USA out of Asia! An end to the Israeli occupation and a free, unified Palestine!”
As the Days of Resistance come to a close, the Palestinian resistance – and our actions of struggle – move forward, continue and grow stronger. We must continue to stand with the Palestinian people and the Palestinian resistance in all of its forms, to defend Palestine from colonization, annexation, occupation and apartheid. Together, we organize to confront imperialism, Zionism and the reactionary regimes that continue to collaborate with these forces of oppression, and to struggle for liberation. Internationalist struggle that recognizes our firm connections of unified struggle against our common oppressors is central to our movement, including to the struggle to free revolutionary political prisoners.
We salute all of the endorsers, organizers, activists and communities involved in building these protests and actions, and we look forward to continuing to struggle, hand in hand, for Black liberation, Indigenous liberation, Palestinian liberation and the liberation of all peoples from imperialism and colonialism. Every victory of the peoples in struggle against these forces is a victory for Palestine and for our collective liberation.
To join Samidoun or find out more about how you can get involved with our work, organize a chapter, or volunteer to support our organizing: contact us via email at [email protected] or on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Samidoun’s existing chapters are below. We invite you to join us to stand with the Palestinian prisoners, the Palestinian resistance and the Palestinian people, with an internationalist vision of struggle, for the liberation of Palestine from the river to the sea.
- Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network
- Samidoun Gothenburg (Sweden)
- Samidoun Stockholm (Sweden)
- Collectif Palestine Vaincra (France)
- Samidoun Netherlands
- Samidoun Greece
- Samidoun Occupied Palestine
- HIRAK (Palestinian Youth Mobilization, Germany)
Below are several of the posters developed by people in Palestine and around the world as part of the Days of Resistance:
