ANNOUNCEMENTS: Upcoming Events
It may feel like there's nothing but crisis, but we have to fight back!
It may feel like there is nothing but an endless cycle of crisis, response, crisis, response, and more crises. As Phase II of the ceasefire negotiations are on the horizon, Israeli officials are confirming earlier reporting about Netanyahu’s intent to sabotage negotiations and return to fighting. Trump’s continued insistence on American “ownership” in Gaza only adds to the forces pushing for the complete ethnic cleansing of Palestine.
Recent polls show that while Americans are apprehensive about Trump’s plan to own Gaza, they are a lot more positive about Trump’s handling of the conflict in general. 47% of Americans believe that a US takeover of Gaza is a bad idea while another 40% aren’t entirely sure. But 54% of Americans approve of his handling of the “Isarel-Hamas conflict”
In contrast, Israelis are frothing at the mouth to ethnically cleanse the Gaza strip of people they believe to be their racial inferiors. A recent poll from the Jewish Peoples Policy Institute shows that just 3% of Israel’s Jewish population believes that the ethnic cleansing plan is “immoral.” 82% of Jewish Israelis believe Trump’s plan is desirable (30% however believe it is desirable but not practical).
For Trump as with Biden, it’s a continued policy of “Israel first.”
At home, “America First” is manifesting in all sorts of violent, nationalistic ways - notable among them the massive wave of deportations, including the warehousing of migrants at the torture-prison facility in Guantanamo Bay.
Despite this feeling of endless crisis, one thing has been clear for years. The only way out of a crisis is action and organizing. So instead of simply living in this endless cycle, the facts above should motivate us to do what needs to be done to claw our way out of it. Below is just a small sample of ways to get activated and fight back.
Events:
Protest Orientation:
On Wednesday, Feb. 19 from 7:45-8:45, IUDC will be hosting an orientation for those who are interested in learning more about the ins and outs of our actions for Palestine, here at IU, specifically when it comes to protesting. You do not have to attend both sessions, all are welcomed.
The Art of Conversation:
On Thursday, Feb. 20 from 6:30-8 pm, PSC will be hosting a PUG event that IU English Professor John Arthos will lead. We will learn how to respond to Zionist misinformation, educate our peers, and spread a message of liberation. Please join us in Ballantine 503!
(*Rescheduled) Black Power and Palestine:
On Thursday, Feb. 27 PSC will be cohosting an event emphasizing the intersectionality between the genocide and occupation in Palestine and Black history, alongside BSU, ASA and NAACP. Please be sure to stay on the lookout for future newsletters, a post our Instagram with more information about the location and time.
Reminders:
Kuffiyeh Tabling:
Our tabling in Ballantine will continue every Thursday from 11 am to 3 pm. It will be next to the globe where you will be able to donate any amount to families in Gaza that we sponsor. If you donate $12, you will be able to receive a kuffiyeh bandana and if you donate $20, then you can receieve a full-sized kuffiyeh. Make sure to visit us in Ballantine, donate and get a kuffiyeh in order to showcase your support. If you would like to help with tabling, please be sure to reach out in the Signal chat.
What you can do to be further involved:
Please make sure to check out the graphic below to ensure your skills are being utilized to the best of your abilities for our cause! Also make sure to continue to stay updated with our organization as we continue our fight for Palestine this semester.
Support Families In Gaza:
Wessam El Sabea
Wessam was born in the midst of the genocide being imposed on Gaza. His father, Mohammad El Sabea wrote, “We have known hardship for many years, enduring relentless challenges of living in a conflict zone. Yet the current situation has plunged us into even deeper despair, facing homelessness, hunger, and illness. So my wife and I are reaching out for a chance to survive and create a better future for our son Wessam, who has not seen a single day of peace since he was born.” Donate here to support Wessam.
Heba and her 21 family members
Heba’s family consists of 21 people, including children and elderly. She wrote, “This campaign is more than a plea for financial assistance; it is a call for empathy, understanding, and solidarity. We seek not just donations but a connection with hearts and souls who stand with us in our gravest hour. Essentials like clean water and food are now luxuries we can scarcely afford. In these dire times, your contribution becomes more than aid; it transforms into a beacon of hope.” Donate here to support Heba and her family.
Abdullah and his daughters
Abdullah has young daughters that have found themselves trying to survive through the brutal genocide Israel is imposing. No child should have to go through the hardships and horrors that is being imposed on Gaza. Please donate here to support Abdullah and his little girls.