Thank you for joining the conversation on Palestinian Grassroots Organising Against Colonial Incarceration on Wednesday, 18 August.

We were joined by Soheir Asaad, a Haifa-based human rights lawyer and a member of the Advisory Board of the Dignity and Hope Detainees Fund Project and Sahar Francis, lawyer, and director of Addameer – Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association in the occupied West Bank.

You can re-watch the event here:  www.facebook.com/palestinesolidarityuk/videos/2594224654207422

Both speakers spoke of the manner in which Israel uses mass incarceration to crush Palestinian resistance and to deter their struggle for dignity and justice. In particular, they spoke of the use of this classic colonial tactic since the upsurge in struggle from late-April this year. They also talked about grassroots organising efforts to resist this and what role the international solidarity movement can take to support these efforts.

Sohair and Sahar highlighted the Dignity and Hope Detainees Fund which was launched by a group of lawyers, activists under the umbrella of the Haifa-based organization Baladna – Arab Youth Association. The Fund builds on the spirit of the recent uprising of collective resistance, solidarity, and care as a political act.

The Fund aims to provide legal support for Palestinian detainees who hold Israeli IDs and provide some financial support for their families. Sahar Francis spoke to the importance of this initiative particularly due to the lack of organisation’s delivering legal support to Palestinian detainees who are Israeli citizens. Sohair Asaad spoke of the Fund as a form of political solidarity which strives to build the community’s resilience.

Please visit the Fund’s page to read more about the campaign and consider making a donation. No amount is too small. Organisers and activists on the ground need our support.

https://dignityfund-baladna.com/

Please share the events with individuals and organisations who might be interested and encourage them to donate.

Many thanks and best wishes.

Palestine Solidarity Campaign