The Online Rally for Gaza was held on September 7, 2020, in response to Israel’s bombing of Gaza for19 continuous days that began on August 11, and which received practically no coverage in the mainstream media.
The rally was attended by as many as 3,900 people who viewed the event on Facebook. ISM was part of a coalition of groups that produced the event, which can serve as a model for how we can continue organizing for Palestine during the corona virus pandemic, and even increase the reach of our message that Palestinian human rights, and especially those of the people in Gaza, is an urgent issue that must be addressed now.
A few of the many excellent speakers at the rally were:
- Adie Mormech of ISM spoke about how ISM is supporting non-violent resistance in the occupied territories, including Gaza. He urged all of us who live in safety and with privilege to do more to end the blockade of Gaza. His excellent talk appears one hour into the recording.
- Bashaer spoke from Gaza about how the shortage of electricity — an average of 4 hours a day prior to the Israeli bombing that began on August 11. After the recent outbreak of Covid-19 in Gaza, Israel increased the amount of fuel allowed to Gaza for electricity temporarily, allowing 8 hours and Israeli media reported on how magnanimous Israel was to allow Gaza 8 hours a day of electrcity.
- Charlotte Kates of Samidoun Prisoner Solidarity spoke about the 4700 prisoners currently in Israeli prisons, including those from Gaza.
- Huda Ammori of Palestine Action spoke about the heinous weapons such as butterfly bullets that are frequently used against protesters near the Gaza fence. Butterly bullets have wounded thousands, and over 500 people in Gaza have had legs amputated after being shot by them. Activists need to mobilize to shut down the producers of these arms, many of which are in the UK and US.
- Julie Webb spoke from Gaza about the work begin done to have the ICC move forward with a case investigating Israel for war crimes in its past campaigns bombing Gaza. There is real hope that this will someday result in justice for Palestine, but all Israel and its allies will move aggressively to stop the case, but sustained pressure by activists will be necessary to make this a reality.
- Rawan Zidane spoke about the PTSD that is so widespread among children in Gaza as a result of the Israeli attacks they witness and overall conditions of deprivation that result from the blockade.
- Jana urges people in countries everywhere, but especially the UK and US to write to their legislators. Specifically, she suggests a mass campaign of sending postcards with images that will help legislators understand the plight of Gaza. NorCal ISM is planning to launch a project along these lines.
- Michael Arage of Nevadans for Palestinian Human Rights and John Idalis of the Arizona Palestine Solidarity Alliance spoke in favor of BDS, and called for an end to US diplomatic, financial and military aid to Israel, which is fueling the atrocities and suffering in Gaza.
- Ellen Hansson from Ship to Gaza Sweden spoke about the work of the International Freedom Flotilla coalition, and its work to breach the illegal blockade of Gaza. The coalition plans to sail again as soon as covid-19 restrictions have been lifted.
- Masoud Shadjareh spoke about how the lessons learned in fighting apartheid in South Africa can inform our Palestine solidarity work.
The event was recorded and can be viewed on YouTube: