Things are getting worse for Palestinians – we need your support to keep fighting for justice!
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR WORK – BECOME A CONTRIBUTOR TODAY
The Trump-Netanyahu Axis of Racism is an ongoing disaster for the Palestinian people. The Trump administration has enacted a series of harsh policies, including recognising occupied Jerusalem as the capital of apartheid Israel, recognising the illegal annexation of the Syrian Golan Heights, threatening the International Criminal Court, and cutting all funding to UNRWA, the agency responsible for providing education and healthcare to millions of Palestinian refugees.
Meanwhile, attempts continue to brutally suppress Palestinian resistance, with almost 200 unarmed protesters deliberately shot dead and thousands wounded in Gaza, and thousands of prisoners – including hundreds of children – still in Israel’s jails. In passing the ‘Nation State Law’, Israel has further entrenched its system of apartheid. Anti-Palestinian racism and incitement within Israel are at an all-time high. During the election which saw Netanyahu returned to power, threats were made to illegally annex more Palestinian land.
Internationally, Israel and its allies are trying to supress international solidarity by trying to outlaw the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Efforts continue in the US and Europe supress free speech by falsely labelling criticism of Israel as ‘antisemitic’. Meanwhile, Israel has attempted to ban human rights campaigners from visiting Palestine, and just deported the local head of Human Rights Watch.
Make no mistake, things are looking bleak for Palestinians. Especially as all of this is occurring with total impunity, in the absence of any meaningful protest from the international community, including, sadly, our own government here in Ireland.
But Palestinians are not alone. There is a huge international grassroots movement standing, and acting, in solidarity with their struggle for freedom. The IPSC has been in the forefront of this movement here in Ireland for the past 17 years. The effectiveness of our work is proven by the fact that we are one of 20 human rights organisations now officially banned by Israel. Israel’s top think tank recently said that the IPSC is “one of the most prominent” Palestine solidarity organisations “in the international arena”. Indeed, having had one bank account closed in 2016, the Israeli government has gone after our new bank account in an attempt to stop our work.
Our work never stops. Whether it is our work in trying to secure an Irish boycott of the 2019 Eurovision in Israel, in mobilising support for Senator Frances Black’s settlement goods ban, in bringing Palestinian speakers, films and culture to Irish audiences, in building Apartheid Free Zones and the movement to boycott Israeli goods, trying to end the Irish arms trade with Israel, or the campaigns against Hewlett-Packard, AXA and Puma for their profiteering from the occupation of Palestine – we are always busy building solidarity and promoting effective action.
We have only been able to play this prominent role, and to help build the BDS movement, due to the kindness, generosity and solidarity of our supporters.
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR WORK – BECOME A CONTRIBUTOR TODAY
However, in order to be able to continue our work in support of freedom, justice and equality for the Palestinian people in their heroic struggle against Israeli occupation, apartheid, colonisation and war crimes, we are asking you to consider becoming a regular monthly contributor to the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
The best way to donate regularly is to take out a monthly Bank Standing Order (see here for details on establishing a SO). Even as much as €5 of €10 per month – the price of a few cups of coffee – is greatly appreciated!
Many people donate via Monthly Subscription on PayPal (see here for details on setting up a Monthly Sub), and while we of course are immensely grateful for this, it does have certain drawbacks – not least that PayPal take a cut of every transaction, and that contributions automatically cancel when a bank card expires.
Regular donations really allow us to plan our work much better for the year as we know the amount of monthly income we can rely on to fund activities, whether it is street stalls, protests, BDS actions, lobbying work, speaking tours, film screenings or cultural events.
We are lucky. We know the people of Ireland stand with the people of Palestine. We ask you to join with those who already support us in making this solidarity count in meaningful and effective ways.
Yes, things look bleak for Palestinians; but it’s always darkest before the dawn. Remember, no one predicted the end of apartheid in South Africa. Our movement for liberation and solidarity continues to grow all over the globe. Together, with your help, we can continue to play our part here in Ireland to ensure Palestinians enjoy their freedom, justice and equality.
Yours in solidarity,
Fatin Al Tamimi
Chairperson
Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign
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