Full video of the actions on the 22nd is available on BDS's social media, updates on the campaign, and additional information about events in Belfast and beyond, at the bottom of the post.
Updates and videos of the actions in Scotland can be found on the SPSC social media links at the bottom of the post. (Also, thank you
for keeping us posted)If you would like to help by donating to help people in Palestine, charity links to a registered charity can be found at the bottom of the post.
The people are tired of the inaction of the international courts, the British courts, and the inaction of the establishments; they are angry, but they are motivated to stand against those lapdogs and institutions that continue to provide support for the genocidal Zionist entity. The co-opting of nations for imperialist ambitions at home that ultimately leads to death and destruction across the world must be highlighted and fought against.
Weapon manufacturers, financiers of capital actively supporting the military-industrial complex, the outlets continuing to facilitate the sale of Israeli blood products, and the academic world, which proactively participates in the ventures of Empire, happily add to the imperialist war machine.
Palestine, Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran—who's next?
(I will try to maintain a regular update schedule moving forward. I have been a bit inactive of late; my apologies.)
Scotland
Actions had taken place across Ireland, Scotland, and the European continent throughout the month leading up to the 22nd. Activists in Scotland continue to highlight the complicity of shops, outlets, and institutions that continue to support the Israeli zionist entity in its policy of extermination, be it through revenue streams, facilitation, or any other means of support.
Taking part in direct actions and other initiatives, the activists in Aberdeen show what others can do in their areas to aid in the fight against apartheid, occupation, and genocide.
The Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC) activists called on the World Bowls organization to remove the Israeli player Boas Markus from the roster for the event in Aberdeen, but this did not happen.
Activists picketed the event, with some getting into the venue itself and voicing their solidarity with Palestine, disrupting the tournament.
Two of those people were arrested; this would mark yet another moment when the police felt the need to arrest activists. A couple of months before this, the SPSC activists faced brutal force at the hands of Scottish police for taking part in direct actions; six were arrested and charged, and one was held for not accepting bail conditions. Police arrived like they were ready for war, armed and heavy-handed.
The clampdowns on activists, of course, don’t stop there.
Ireland
In Belfast, BDS activists have continued the campaign non-stop for two years, highlighting the sale of Israeli blood products that actively aid the in the occupation and genocide of the Palestinian people; over this time, several activists have been brought before the courts under spurious charges of “criminal damage” for having put stickers on the boxes of Israeli blood products.
Recently, the activists went to court again to face these spurious charges, with the group and activists before a ‘non-jury court’. Activists called to be allowed to air the case in front of a Jury, especially given the urgency, considering the eraser campaign taking place in breach of international law in Palestine with the aid of such products being sold on shelves in shops in our communities.
Workers, you have options; do not be part of the complicity! Stand Against Apartheid.
Join the Apartheid Free Zone!!!
On Tuesday, 22nd April, activists from several groups joined in actions called for by BDS Belfast, with the participation of activists across Ireland. Acitivists from local communities joined the actions during the day to highlight the complicity of the Stormont executive, the BBC, and others in their proactive support for the Israeli entity through obfuscating facts, playing key support roles to industries that provide parts destined for Israel and, of course, the businesses stocking Israeli blood products.
Activists made their way to the BBC Blackstaff studios before approaching the front gates of the facility. They said they were part of a tour and were there to see the place. The security guard was a bit confused, but then denied access.
The gate suddenly opened, and activists pushed through to the studio itself, reading aloud the vague headlines provided to people by the BBC when covering the situation in Palestine and comparing them to other outlets such as Al-Jazeera. The BBC reported on the action at the BBC studios, but later buried it under the Knee Cap headlines.
The discrepancy in the reporting is stark and only helps cement the genocidal machinations of the Israeli entity, as well as hiding the true extent of the crimes committed at the hands of the Western-backed dogs of war.
Later, activists took over Belfast City Hall, reading aloud the names of the reporters who had died throughout the full-on genocidal offensive on the Gaza Strip.
In light of the background of the forefathers of the ruling class in Britain, who cemented the chaos through their division of the region after the fall of the Ottoman Empire, especially in Palestine with the Sykes-Picot agreement.
Turmoil reigns, and Western establishments continue to support it.
Including the Southern Dublin government! A continued insistence that US and British military flights are “routine,” the growing presence of US and British military on the Island, the expanding weapons industry, and the crackdowns on activists and journalists, the Dublin government toes the line of empire completely.
Recently, Mothers Against Genocide participated in a sit-down protest at the Irish Parliament. They were confronted by a Garda Síochána (Police), several individuals were arrested, and female activists underwent dehumanizing body and cavity searches after being arrested at this demonstration. This response was massively disproportionate to a legal, peaceful protest.
They say this is all “routine” or “normal,” if you will. (Check out my article on Ireland and the vision for the Island)
It is a falsehood; nothing is normal about this and shows the extent to which Ireland has been co-opted towards an envisioned future by the imperialist nations and those of foreign interest, one we the people want nothing to do with… But who will pay the brunt of it, as is inevitable with these drives to militarise?
Their attempts at criminalizing the ordinary working-class men and women for taking part in protest and direct action against the backbone of an eraser campaign show that the West truly only cares about its interests; the talk of two sides has long worn out, two sides in genocide?
Lashing out at activists and ordinary people only shows that they fear the people. They fear unity, and they fear that they will lose their control of the narrative.
LINKS
Hunger For Justice: Maria Corrigan to finish her hunger strike on the 1st of May. Keep up to date on the Facebook page.
Palestine Aid Crowdfund: Based in Belfast, Palestine Aid Ireland is a registered UK Charity Number 102274
We focus on helping families, special needs schools, and children in need
To date we have donated food, toys, money when required, school books, and school uniforms, we have organised sports days, and beach days, supplied prescription reading glasses, and purchased hundreds of winter coats and winter boots for children aged between six and fourteen, boys and girls, together with three scholarships at the Islamic University Gaza and solar panels for an orphanage in Gaza city.
Muslim Giving Palestine Aid: We need your help, guys. Palestine Aid Charity in conjunction with United 4 Humanity, is currently fundraising for a Mobile Maternity Clinic for Gaza.
This initiative will allow birthing mothers to deliver their babies in a safe, clean, sterile environment. Utilising fully qualified medical staff, this much-needed mobile clinic will be used to support the Gaza Health Ministry support people in their time of need.
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