HASTINGS PALESTINE SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN
April 2014
There's an article about our forthcoming meeting (see left) in the Hastings Online Times. It focuses on the issue of Palestinian prisoners, asking the question: where is the Palestinian Mandela/Gandhi/Martin Luther King? The article is here.
There's also a mention of the meeting in the Hastings Observer. The Hastings Independent is due to have an article about our campaign against Arad meters/Southern Water/Groundwork in its latest edition.
The arrest and treatment of the 5 boys from Hares has brought about widespread condemnation and outrage.The boys are facing life sentences for a "crime" that never happened.
"Kiss and hug your mother goodbye," a Shabak agent told one boy. "You may never see her again."
The background to this case can be read here: the Hares Boys and inminds.
"Fly Kites Not Drones" weekend in March promoted the flying of kites in solidarity with Afghans who have to live under the mental pressure and physical destruction which US and British drones reap upon Afghanistan.
This is clearly a serious issue for Palestinians. From 2008 until October 2013, out of 2,269 Palestinians killed by Israel, 911 were killed by drones, most during the 2008-2009 Operation Cast Lead. In the 2012 Operation Pillar of Defense, 143 out of 171 Palestinians killed by Israel were by drone attack. It is believed that Israeli drones were used on Lebanon in the 2006 war. In addition, it is also believed Israel used these drones in attacking a factory in Sudan, in surveillance activities in the Mediterranean and Red Sea, in activities in the West Bank, and of course also used in daily intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and target killings in the Gaza Strip.
The photo on the right shows a group of kite flyers on West Hill, Hastings, supporting the "Fly Kites Not Drones" campaign (about half are local PSC members!).
War On Want: Killer Drones report
War On Want: Gaza Under Attack/Stop Arming Israel
We're slowly getting better organised, with more banners, placards and flags, even music!
We're not (yet) in a position to hold these on a regular basis. They're held "as and when." We'll send out the dates and times to people on our mailing list. Please come and support us, even if you can make it only for a while. The stalls get a lot of interest - with people stopping to chat, signing our petitions, taking leaflets - with a very encouraging amount of support.
'The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists'
To commemorate Robert Tressell 100 years after the first publication of 'the Ragged Trousered Philanthropists,' an event has been organised at the Jenny Lind Saturday 26 April. David Rovics from Portland, Oregon will be playing. The organisers have asked for a " rousing 5 minute speech" before each set. We've volunteered to give a " rousing 5 minute speech" - about occupied Palestine. Here's a clip of David Rovics: Song for the Mavi Marmara
5 Days in May On Saturday 3 May, Pop-up Saturday, lots of work and support needed for our replica Israeli checkpoint. More information here.
"Children in Chains" trailer
Letter to Neil Young from Gaza
People who have followed the music of Neil Young will be disappointed, saddened and probably angry at his announcement to perform in Israel. Here is an impassioned letter to Neil Young from the Palestinian Students' Campaign for the Academic Boycott of Israel and the University Teachers' Association.
"Just as you didn't perform in Apartheid South Africa, just as you stood up against racism in the US South, just as you have so admirably supported indigenous rights in Canada against the drilling for Tar Sands, we ask you to support indigenous, displaced people wherever they may be, including we Palestinians."
The full letter is here: An open letter from Gaza to Neil Young
The scars of Deir Yassin and our determination to survive
"My grandmother is a survivor of the Deir Yassin massacre. Sixty-six years later, her scars still bear witness."
Article here: The scars of Deir Yassin and our determination to survive
Secret London meeting to plan battle against BDS
Article here: Secret London meeting to plan battle against Israel boycott
