Yesterday, one year since the start of the Great Return March, thousands took part in more than 25 actions across the UK in solidarity with the people of Palestine and their struggle for freedom, justice and equality. As always, that would not have been possible without the hard work and commitment of PSC branches and members like you – so thank you.

Since the beginning of the Great March of Return Israel has killed more than 200 unarmed demonstrators, and injured and maimed more than 27,000 – more casualties than during the entire war on Gaza in 2014. Just over a week ago, the UN Human Rights Council voted to adopt a report which accused Israel of committing war crimes during these protests, including intentionally shooting down medics, journalists and children.

Since the election of Donald Trump the collective rights of the Palestinian people have come under intensifying attacks. Israel has further entrenched its system of oppression; passing a racist nation state law that confirms that Palestinian citizens of Israel do have the same rights under the law as Jewish citizens, maintaining its crippling siege on Gaza, and continuing to rapidly expand illegal settlements in defiance of international law. Meanwhile, Trump’s cuts to UNRWA funding are part of a wider attempt to redefine the refugee status of millions of displaced Palestinians and erase their fundamental Right of Return. All of this is paving the way for Trump to launch his “Deal of the Century” but we already know its contents: no right of return; no capital in Jerusalem; Palestinians confined to a series of Bantustans with limited autonomy.

And so the Palestinian people need our solidarity more than ever. As Israel continues to flout international law and violate human rights, there is a responsibility on the global community to hold it to account and push for an end to the oppression of the Palestinian people.

Hear from the inspiring Ahed Tamimi on why everyone should join the national demo on May 11th:

1. JOIN and SHARE the Facebook event
2. INVITE all your friends to the Facebook event
3. TWEET about the demo – here is an example you can use:
   “In the face of unprecedented attacks on their rights, the Palestinian people need our solidarity more than ever. Join the NATIONAL DEMO FOR #PALESTINE in London on May 11th. Get involved, spread the word: https://bit.ly/2SQr3x8 #ExistResistReturn #FreePalestine”
4. HAND OUT FLYERS about the demo in your community, at local events and on street stalls. You can find an A5 flyer design on our website here.
5. GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR LOCAL BRANCH to ask about coaches going from your area. If one is already organised, help to fill it. If not, help to put one on! Contact details of PSC Branches can be found here.

Together, we can get thousands upon thousands out on the streets on May 11th to show that the Palestinian people are not alone, and to send a clear message to the UK government that Israel must be held to account for its actions. 

Finally, we know this demo is not going to be cheap – can you chip in to help us cover the costs of this crucial event?

In solidarity,

Ben Jamal
PSC Director