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From The Socialist newspaper, 10 October 2018
Palestinian solidarity: "We are not victims. We are freedom fighters."
The face of protest against the brutal Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory: 16-year-old Ahed Tamimi, photo Haim Schwarczenberg/schwarczenberg.com (CC) (Click to enlarge)
Paul Taylor, Coventry West Socialist Party
"It is true that suffering is high. But we are not victims. We are freedom fighters."
These were the words of 17-year-old Ahed Tamimi, the young Palestinian arrested and imprisoned by the Israeli military who rose to worldwide prominence as a symbol of resistance against oppression and occupation.
Ahed spoke via Skype to a recent, enthusiastic meeting in Coventry, organised around the issue of the treatment of Palestinian child prisoners.
She explained how she had suffered verbal and sexual harassment at the hands of the authorities in an effort to break her.
She urged the meeting to "keep up the solidarity and to put pressure on the government to end the occupation".
Ahed, along with all Palestinians resisting the occupation, are an inspiration to millions around the world.
It is important that ordinary people here in the UK show solidarity with the Palestinian masses. Capitalist governments around the world, along with the EU and United Nations, are part of the problem not the solution to the national conflict. Only the solidarity of working class people can be relied upon.
The continuation of capitalism in the region means war, instability and oppression. We support the fight to build a socialist movement across Israel-Palestine with our sister organisation - Socialist Struggle Movement.
Mass struggle can put an end to racism, insecurity and the nightmare of occupation. Socialism would guarantee the right to self-determination of all national groups, as part of a voluntary, socialist confederation of the Middle East.
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The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.
The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.
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In The Socialist 10 October 2018:
What we think
Tories' crisis conference - Corbyn must fight for general election
Workplace news and analysis
We need democratic, rank-and-file leadership to win national UCU disputes
First coordinated catering and courier strike whets workers' appetite for action
Another first: pub strike victory in south London!
Cable makers strike against real-terms pay cut
Strike raises pay at Liverpool airport
South Western rail guards hit 18 strike days
Socialist Party news and analysis
12 years to halt irreversible climate disaster. Capitalism's time is up
8,000 Glasgow workers plan historic mass strike
Super-rich flee to Monaco to evade Corbyn
Workers in UK do £1.2trn of unpaid housework and care
Workers' action wins Amazon pay rise
Anti-racism
Fight racism: fight for jobs, homes and services for all
25 years since 50,000 marched against the far-right threat
International socialist news and analysis
Polarisation, risks and resistance in Brazilian elections
Mexico: socialists violently attacked by gangs - urgent solidarity needed
Ireland: 10,000 march for homes in Dublin
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Liverpool 47 plaque: "Better to break the law, than break the poor"
Palestinian solidarity: "We are not victims. We are freedom fighters."
Leicestershire: stop the cuts to our hospital services
Save Huddersfield Royal Infirmary - the fight goes on
Finance - a crucial component of socialist campaigns
Opinion
The murky world of the 'Big Four' accountancy firms
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