In the face of the horrific stories coming out of Gaza, it can be difficult to think about what we as individuals can do that might even begin to make a difference. Since the Israeli strike on Rafah on 24th May 2024, many people have shared the ‘All Eyes on Rafah’ image, many of those for the first time. At ARC, we welcome that people have had their consciousness raised now. However, we are clear that this needs to be met with action – the sharing of an image is a start, but on its own it is not enough. We said similar about the sharing of black squares after the murder of George Floyd. If all eyes are on Rafah, then the next step is to stay awake, and stay active on this issue. Here are some personal recommendations, resources and areas of focus that ARC members have shared with us as being central to their personal learning and action on this issue. We also want to underline that there remains no place for antisemitism or other forms of discrimination or oppression as we call for ceasefire and a Free Palestine.
Everyone can do something. We can be on the right side of history.
PROTESTS
Most cities have protests, usually on Saturdays, and there are regular national marches in London. In Carlisle, peaceful vigils are held every Saturday 1-2pm outside the House of Fraser building organised by the Carlisle Palestine Solidarity Group. You can follow them on Facebook (search for Palestine Solidarity Group, Carlisle), or on Instagram @carlisle.palestinesolidarity. This is a branch of the official @palestinesolidarityuk All are welcome. Some people have placards, some talk to passers-by, but you can also just stand in solidarity.
There is a small but consistent protest in Ambleside at the Market Cross on some Saturdays.
Lancaster – follow Palestine Solidarity Campaign Lancaster on Facebook
London national protests – follow the national Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC)
Newcastle – follow on FB Newcastle Palestine Solidarity Campaign and on Instagram @NewcastlePSC
In Newcastle there are protests at the Rafael factory which makes parts for F35 Israeli fighter jets. Follow on Instagram @shut_down_rafael_newcastle or on Facebook Shut Down Rafael Newcastle.
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DONATE FUNDS
Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) is an excellent organisation to support. https://www.map.org.uk/
Connecting Humanity campaigns for donations of e sims to send to Gaza, vital to keep channels of communication open https://connecthumanity.fund/ and on Instagram @connectinghumanity_
Many aid agencies are also accepting funds e.g. Red Cross, UNICEF, Islamic Relief, UNRWA.
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JOIN A GROUP
Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) is a national organisation and has a Carlisle branch. Annual subs start from £10 youth; £15 concessions; £30 standard.
The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign group on www.bdsmovement.net also allows you, on their main page, to select the country you live in, and it lists various groups and organisations that are active in different places and sectors
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SUPPORT PALESTINIAN BUSINESSES
Oxfam sells Palestinian olive oil etc. from the brand Zaytoun also available direct from www.zaytoun.co.uk
Café Palestina is a lovely café in Kentish Town in London, which also runs community events and has an online shop.
PSC has an online shop of all sorts of items.
Also just Google ‘buying Palestinian products’ for more sites and more products
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BOYCOTT ISRAELI GOODS
The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign group has more info at www.bdsmovement.net – it is worth reading the campaign site to find out more about levels of boycott which are considered effective, as well as seeing lists of companies to boycott.
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WRITE TO YOUR MP AND COUNCILLORS
The more our elected representatives hear from people who might vote for them, the more notice they take. It takes 5 mins to write to your MP online (search for your MP and contact and a form will appear), or you can get their contact details and write to them the old-fashioned way. Guidance is available here https://una.org.uk/gaza-crisis-write-your-mp or with a simple form to complete here https://action.savethechildren.org.uk/page/139132/-/1?locale=en-GB You can express your dismay at the genocide and ask what they are doing to stop it, or you can ask specific questions about policy. With the general election campaign underway, there is no better time to hold people to account – it’s no good them just saying how sad it is, we need action.
To find your Cumberland councillor https://cumberland.moderngov.co.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx?bcr=1
And Westmorland and Furness
https://cumberland.moderngov.co.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx?bcr=1
BE WELL INFORMED
Talk with others, be able to counter myth with fact – here are some resources our volunteers have found useful. We do not necessarily condone all content, this is a wide-ranging list and it is not possible for us to examine every detail, but broadly speaking these are resources people have found useful.
Al Jazeera – accessible via https://www.aljazeera.com/live – also AJ+ online/social media version
Novara Media – independent media organisation broadcasts each evening on You Tube, or you can subscribe to their podcast version of the nightly show. Regular reporting on Palestine. www.novaramedia.com
The Electronic Intifada – https://electronicintifada.net – offers a Palestinian perspective on the conflict
Israelism Film – https://www.israelismfilm.com – offers Jewish perspective critical of treatment of Palestine
The Hidden History of Israel – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUjdDYoTZG0 Jewish Professor Avi Shlaim meets Palestinian Author Ghada Karmi.
Mona Chalabi’s Longform interview 15 November 2023 – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/longform/id551088534?i=1000634965104 on misinformation & western media reporting ..eg language use —migration/displacement
Al Jazeera’s investigation into 7 Oct – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0atzea-mPY
Many people comment on the benefit of following people ‘on the ground’ – some such sources are included below, alongside other accounts our volunteers find useful (sometimes with their anti-racism journey in general, but with strong content on Palestine currently).
On Instagram and X
Lama Jamous @lama_jamous9 – 9 year old Palestinian journalist reporting from Gaza
Bisan Owda @wizard_bisan1 – Palestinian journalist and film maker reporting from Gaza
@translating_gaza – voices for Gaza, videos translated into English
@lowkeyonline – rapper and activist
@MikaelaLoach– Black activist vocal on a range of issues
@EverydayRacism – writers, educators, speakers Natalie and Naomi Evans
@SlowFactory – wide ranging content on this creative platform campaigning on human rights, climate justice. Superb source of information.
@ThatDarnChat – wide ranging content from activist Laura Danger
@DecolonizeMyself – excellent page exploring different aspects of colonisation
@TheIMEU – ‘giving you access to untold stories, facts and expert sources on all things Palestine’
@dannyfuckingprice was a speaker at our last summit – his Insta page is direct, irreverent and with information about as clear cut as you could wish for
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Books/authors recommended by some of our volunteers
Ilan Pappe – Israeli historian based at Exeter University who has written extensively on Palestinian history and is critical of Zionism
Norman Finkelstein – American historian, child of Holocaust survivors, who writes extensively about Palestine and Israel, critical of Zionism and the role of the Holocaust in the Zionist project.
Walking to Jerusalem by Justin Butcher – account of the solidarity walk in 2017 by Palestinian activists from the Amos Trust (a progressive Christian group)
The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi – a key text with an excellent overview of the Palestinian struggle
Mornings in Jenin by Susan Abulhawa – a novel giving insight into living under occupation
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