Take Action! #SaveSheikhJarrah and Defend Jerusalem: Boycott Israel, Support Palestinian Resistance

14 MAY 2021 UPDATED LIST OF EVENTS: https://samidoun.net/events

As we approach the 73rd anniversary of the Nakba, the Zionist colonization of Palestine and the forced expulsion of Palestinians, the Nakba is continuing. This is apparent everywhere in Palestine, but perhaps is most clear in the heart of Jerusalem, Palestine’s capital: in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan, where Palestinian families are being threatened with imminent expulsion from their homes and lands by the Israeli regime and its colonial settlers, as they refuse to concede their lives to racist Zionist colonialism.

Palestinians in Jerusalem are under attack on multiple levels, defending their land, city and identity from erasure and colonialism for 73 years. They face the stripping of their identity and residence — even from their place of birth — severe repression, land confiscations, home demolitions and ongoing Zionist attempts to erase the Palestinian and Arab presence and nature of the city.

Right-wing settler mobs have rampaged through Sheikh Jarrah in the past days, screaming “Death to Arabs” and attacking Palestinians. Settlers attacked Palestinians breaking the Ramadan fast during Iftar, pepper spraying them and throwing rocks at them. Working hand in hand with these violent settlers, the Israeli military has attacked residents, sprayed skunk water and tear gas throughout the neighbourhood, invaded homes, assaulted women, children and elders and seized dozens of Palestinian youth defending their own homes.

In Silwan, Palestinians are being threatened with violent expulsion from their Jerusalem homes in order to make way for a “David-themed” tourist attraction to produce income for the Zionist settler colonial project, built atop the homes and lives of the indigenous Palestinian people.

Palestinians in Jerusalem — and throughout occupied Palestine and in exile — continue to resist and to prove that the Palestinian struggle continues and that organizing and resistance is the road to liberation. We know that it is this resistance that will defeat the attacks of Zionism and imperialism, and our actions and organizing around the world can work to build support for the Palestinian people and their resistance in Jerusalem, Gaza, throughout occupied Palestine and in exile and diaspora.

Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network urges all friends of Palestine around the world to join the campaign to #SaveSheikhJarrah. Boycott Israel, take the streets and take action, organize direct actions and speak out to defend Jerusalem, defend Palestine and support the Palestinian resistance and the liberation of Palestine from the river to the sea!

Join us in the Week of Palestinian Struggle from 15-22 May — and before the week officially begins — to escalate our organizing, resistance and action to support the Palestinians struggling, resisting, fighting and facing the most severe, brutal and deadly colonial violence on the front lines of liberation struggle.

READ THE FULL CALL TO ACTION in English — Arabic — German — French — Swedish

Here are some ways that you can take action:

Boycott Israel

The international, Arab and Palestinian campaign to boycott Israel can play an important role at this critical time. Local boycott groups can protest and label Israeli produce and groceries. During Ramadan, Israeli dates from stolen Palestinian land are marketed around the world while Israel attempts to force Palestinians from Jerusalem, demolish homes, and imprisons thousands more. By participating in the boycott of Israel, you can directly help to throw a wrench in the economy of settler colonialism. Download our Boycott Flyer to distribute at supermarkets, stores and other venues in your community!

Take the Streets

On the Week of Palestinian Struggle, join us to defend Jerusalem, #SaveSheikhJarrah and continue on their path of resistance, steadfastness and solidarity. There are more actions on 8 and 9 May to stand with Palestine in New York, London, Berlin, Columbus, Chicago, Milan and elsewhere. It’s time to make our voices heard loudly and clearly for justice for Palestine. Take to the streets and join these actions below — and see our full list of events! FIND UPDATED LIST OF EVENTS: https://samidoun.net/events

Our comrades at Within Our Lifetime – United for Palestine developed a useful toolkit that you can use when planning your own event! Check it out here: https://wolpalestine.com/resources/rally-toolkit/

Take Direct Action

Organizations like Palestine Action are taking direct action to challenge Israeli arms manufacturers, specifically Elbit Systems. This company manufactures and markets drone weaponry around the world that is built on “battle-tested” technologies used against Palestinians, especially in Gaza. Check out Palestine Action’s work and upcoming public demonstration on 28 May challenging Elbit Systems in the UK!

Speak Out

If you can’t participate in a street action, there are still so many ways that you can raise your voice for justice for Palestine. If you are in Canada, take action by signing these statements:

If you are in the United States, sign Al-Awda’s letter to members of Congress:

Join today’s Twitterstorm to #SaveSheikhJarrah on Saturday, 8 May at 10 am Pacific, 1 pm Eastern, 7 pm central Europe and 8 pm Palestine time.

Keep sharing information with your friends and family on social media, and call your government officials to demand action.

Join the @samidounnetwork channel on Telegram

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