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Hastings and District Palestine Solidarity Campaign
Newsletter 2 July 2025
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In this newsletter:
Thursday's emergency protest at General Dynamics: Solidarity with Palestine Action
Saturday's information stall
Report: Emergency Rally - From Palestine to Iran
Future activities: Oh Big Blue exhibition, film show The Encampments and Walk for Gaza
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STOP ARMS TO ISRAEL
SOLIDARITY WITH PALESTINE ACTION!
Thursday 3 July 3.30pm. General Dynamics, 100 Castleham Road, Hastings TN38 9NJ
While Israel is still enforcing its barbaric genocide on the people of Gaza, we will protest against the arms factory in our own town that profits from this unending evil (General Dynamics' profits were $3.7 billion last year).
We will stand with the fighters of Palestine Action, now under threat of proscription from the government. Palestine Action is one of the most effective groups campaigning against the genocide. The government has decided to ban it by listing it as a 'terrorist organisation.' This is outrageous. The government is supporting the terrorism that has been inflicted on the people of Gaza while banning an organisation that is fighting against that terrorism.
Facebook event page and Instagram page. Join us!
TIMELINE
Even though MPs have now voted to proscribe Palestine Action, there is a legal challenge to be heard before it can come into effect. If the challenge fails, the earliest point at which the law will come into force will be Friday at midnight. This is the timeline of events: Palestine Action (Instagram)
PACKED SCREENING FOR PALESTINE ACTION FILM
There was a great turnout for the short notice screening of To Kill a War Machine, the excellent documentary by the Rainbow Collective about Palestine Action. Over 60 people filled the Isobel Blackman Centre with just 48 hour's notice and, thanks to generous contributions, covered not just the cost of the showing but raised nearly £200 for the Palestine Action legal fighting fund. The film is available for streaming at the Rainbow Collective. Our report of the event on Facebook and on Instagram.
SATURDAY'S INFORMATION STALL
Saturday 5 July 12.00 noon until 2pm Town Centre, Wellington Place. Please visit our stall. All the usual information, petitions, plus keffiyehs, books, badges and Palestine Cola. Plus information on the forthcoming fundraisers for Al-Mawasi.
REPORT: EMERGENCY RALLY: FROM PALESTINE TO IRAN - STOP ISRAEL NOW
We called an emergency rally to condemn Israel's attacks across Iran, at the same time it had plunged Gaza into darkness by cutting off all internet access and enforcing a total siege across the West Bank. Israeli aggression knows no bounds - it has been given complete impunity by the West to destroy and kill without restraint. Our open mic rally had a range of great speeches including one by Irfan Chowdhury which covered the incredible history of the West's disgraceful interference in Iran. Thanks to everyone who came to support our rally, especially at short notice. It was really an inspirational event. Our report of the rally on Facebook, on Instagram and the speech by 12-year old Noah (Instagram).
 
A FILM BY LUJAIN TAMER MANSOUR: "bring me a thought i can act on"
Saturday 5 July and Sunday 6 July, 11am - 3pm. Unit 2 8-10 London Road, St Leonards on Sea TN37 6AE Unit 2 presents a new film from Palestinian artist Lujain Tamer Mansour. Having recently graduated from the Slade School of Fine Art, Tamer Mansour explores longing, memory and exile in this rich and powerful short film. Free entry - drop in. More information (website) and Instagram.
OH BIG BLUE - AN EXHIBITION OF POETRY AND ART BY PALESTINIAN CHILDREN
9 - 12 July 10am - 4pm, Stade Hall Facebook event page.
"AN ANTIDOTE TO THE POISONS OF THIS WORLD." OH BIG BLUE POETRY EXHIBITION IN THE NEWS
Don't forget to book your place for the launch event at 6pm on Wednesday 9th July with renowned British poet Alice Oswald and an exclusive performance of a selection of the poems by local children. The event is free and open to all. Copies of the book will be available to buy on the night.
Written last year by children ages 9-17 from all over Palestine including Ramallah, Jenin, Hebron, Nablus, Jerusalem and Gaza, the collection of illustrated poems comes directly from the hearts and minds of Palestinian children growing up in a time of genocide and apartheid. They stand as a testament to courage, hope, resilience, and love.
Our upcoming exhibition is getting some great coverage in the press, including in Rye News, Sussex World and Skwawkbox. The free exhibition will be open daily 10am-4pm from 9th-12th July inclusive. To find out more.
THE ENCAMPMENTS: FILM SCREENING AND Q&A FUNDRAISER FOR AL MAWASI
Thursday 10 July 6:30pm, Stade Hall Facebook event page. Ticket details.
Don't miss the chance to see the Hastings premiere of THE ENCAMPMENTS, the powerful new documentary following the Palestine solidarity protests that erupted across university campuses in 2024. Timely, urgent and filled with a clear-eyed fury, THE ENCAMPMENTS is a rallying cry for those who refuse to be silenced and a message of hope for the people of Palestine.
The screening will be followed by a discussion with UK student encampment organisers and is taking place in Stade Hall, where visitors can also view the Oh Big Blue exhibition of poetry and art by Palestinian children. It is a fundraiser for Al Mawasi with tickets priced £10/£8 concessions.
Saturday 12 July 12.00 noon - 6pm. Warrior Square Gardens. We will as usual have a stall at the festival. Please come and visit. More information.
WALK THE SEAFRONT: FUNDRAISER FOR AL-MAWASI
Sunday 20 July 10.45am. The Stade. Join us on this fundraiser for Al-Mawasi. Please share with family and friends and help make this event a success for the community in Al Mawasi. If you are unable to join us for the walk, feel free to come down and show your support as we set off. Pick up a sponsorship form at one of our information stalls, at any of our events, or email. Or just turn up on the day.
PALESTINE - ISRAEL: FROM A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE
Much of the 'information' in the corporate media is misleading. Here are some useful sources:
Middle East Eye. Electronic Intifada. Al Jazeera. Middle East Monitor.
Mondoweiss. Palestine Chronicle. Al Mayadeen. Mintpress. The Grayzone.
The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor. Jonathan Cook.
The Cradle. MediaLens. Declassified UK. The Hind Rajab Foundation.
Rania Khalek.
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Hastings and District PSC online membership and donations
Becoming a member of Hastings and District PSC is an important way of supporting our work.The annual subscription is £10 waged, £5 unwaged. We now have an online membership payment form. It can also be used to renew membership. If you would rather not use Paypal, you can pay directly to our bank: please contact us for the details. Or alternatively pay at one of our events.
The work of Hastings and District PSC could not continue without the donations from members of the public. If you would like to support our work without becoming a member please visit our shop page here and see the right hand column:
Donate to Hastings and District PSC.
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Recent Hastings and District PSC newsletters:
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