In late September 2023, tensions were high in the West Bank as Israeli settlers threatened violence against Palestinian communities. Aysha, a teacher at Wadi Siq primary school, recounted how settlers pointed guns at students through classroom windows. International volunteers, including one from Denmark and one from Bristol, stood alongside Palestinian, Israeli, and other international volunteers to protect the school from potential attacks.
As the situation escalated, the settlers forced several nearby villages to leave at gunpoint. The violence intensified after the breakout from Gaza and Hamas attacks in southern Israel, leading to the displacement of Wadi Siq and other communities. Despite the challenges, international solidarity movements like the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) continued to support Palestinian communities.
Volunteers from Bristol, like the author of the article, have been actively involved in ISM’s work in Palestine. They have joined farmers in Masafer Yatta and the Jordan Valley, providing a protective presence against settler violence. The ISM has also documented human rights abuses and supported legal battles for justice.
In addition to physical presence, international solidarity extends to actions taken in Bristol. The city has a long history of supporting Palestine, from anti-war protests to boycott campaigns against Israeli companies like Elbit. Bristolians have engaged in direct actions, such as occupying arms companies and picketing businesses with ties to the Israeli occupation.
Despite the risks and challenges, the author emphasizes the importance of international solidarity in Palestine. The presence of volunteers from around the world sends a powerful message of support to Palestinians facing oppression. The global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, initiated by Palestinian civil society, has mobilized people worldwide to take action against Israeli apartheid.
The author highlights the need for continued solidarity with Palestine, both on the ground and at home. From protecting villages from demolition to standing up against state violence, the collective efforts of individuals and communities have shown the resilience and strength of the Palestinian people. By amplifying their voices and advocating for justice, international solidarity remains a crucial pillar in the struggle for freedom and equality.
