In Solidarity with Palestine

Counterpoints stands in solidarity with Palestinians, who continue to experience collective punishment and systematic destruction of their infrastructure, history and culture. 

As the situation continues to escalate we support the calls by UNHCR and many international aid agencies for an immediate ceasefire. Given the very high percentage of women and children who have been killed in Gaza, we recognise the Israeli action as indiscriminate, inhumane and collective punishment that has included attacks on refugee camps.

We strongly condemn the Hamas’ horrific attacks and stand against any acts of violence that cause harm to or loss of life for any Palestinian or Israeli civilians. As an anti-colonial, anti-racist organisation we recognise the brutal discrimination and persecution that Jewish people have suffered and continue to face, in the UK and across the world. We stand against anti-Semitism in all its forms, which has no place in the movement for the rights and freedom of the Palestinian people.

Since the start of the recent escalation, we have been focusing on supporting Palestinian artists in our network, providing a range of programming and platforming opportunities. We are also signatories to a number of petitions, including the Landscape of Hope Call for Solidarity and Action on Gaza.

As stated in our previous statement, as an organisation that stands for social justice, we believe it is our responsibility to speak out in support of the Palestinian people in their struggle for freedom and safety. Our position is rooted in the belief that everyone should enjoy basic human rights and freedoms, regardless of their background, identity or where they are born.

We support the statements from organisations such as Mosaic Rooms and Shubbak Festival urging people to use their platforms, networks, influence, and expertise to raise awareness and contribute to the cause of justice and peace in Palestine.

As an anti-colonial, anti-racist organisation we recognise the brutal discrimination and persecution that Jewish people have suffered and continue to face, in the UK and across the world. We stand against anti-Semitism in all its forms, which has no place in the movement for the rights and freedom of the Palestinian people.

We continue to invite artists from Palestinian backgrounds to reach out to us for support at any time. And we will build our ongoing programming with the situation in Palestine at the forefront of our minds.

 

From our network & from us:

Events & Spaces Of Support

 

  • Counterpoints is supporting the annual London Palestine Film Festival, which runs from November 17th to November 30th. This year’s 24th annual autumn edition has a specific focus on Gaza which includes contributions from scholars and Gazan filmmakers, who explore the practice, production, and impact of film and videos from and about the Gaza Strip.
  • Healing Justice Lnd/ Rehearsing Freedoms Festival are running Palestinian Support Spaces: Collective care & support offered, held by Healing Justice Ldn, supported by @RadicalTherapistNetwork & Abolitionist Psychologists, in person & online, more information here

 

Resources:

Social Media

  • Landscapes Of Hope are asking everyone to join in demanding a #CeaseFireNowInGaza by changing their profile pictures on all social media platforms for 72 hours starting at 10 AM GMT on Friday 3 November and ending at 9 AM GMT on Monday 6 November. Download the images here and use this hashtag: #CeaseFireNowInGaza
  • Accounts to follow sharing first hand stories and perspectives: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy3j2xiI-kY/?hl=en&img_index=2

Information For Campaigning

  • The Palestine Academy, new resource with an overview of history, and a ‘Palestine 101’ study course

Suggested Reading

  • In solidarity with the people of Palestine resisting occupation and fighting for liberation and their right to self-determination, Fernwood Publishing share this curated collection of  titles available to read for free. These works shine light on the realities of displacement, refugeehood, surveillance and imprisonment by the hands of foreign occupying forces and how we may best stand together against colonial complicity and advocate for a free Palestine. Access here.
  • Our friends at Shado Mag, have been reporting on Palestine and the context of apartheid, settler colonialism and the intrinsic role of western Imperialism since their inception. They’ve collated all these resources in one place, for those who want to learn more and share knowledge with their loved ones. Access on the homepage HERE
  • Verso Books free reading and resources

Suggested Viewing

Suggested Listening

 

Marches & Petitions

  • Follow Palestine Solidarity Campaign for information on march routes, protests and days of actions
  • For how to stay safe while protesting visit:
    Liberty Human Rights: Advice & Information on Protesting
    @libertyhq
  • Email your MP, here
  • We know that a ceasefire is not the answer to Palestinian liberation. However, without it untold more lives will be lost. In order to prevent any further killing, an immediate ceasefire is required. Sign the petition for a ceasefire now HERE (via Shado Mag)
  • Save the Children petition for Rishi Sunak to demand an urgent ceasefire and allow humanitarian assistance to be delivered to children, sign here