On We Struggle, In Solidarity

Join us on January 31 to discuss Freedom Is a Constant Struggle

Jan 29, 2024

As we prepare to discuss Freedom is a Constant Struggle on Wednesday, January 31 at 6pm ET, we’re thinking of two recent developments as the War on Gaza marks 115 grueling days. For all of those days, activists, organizers, and ordinary people with no previous knowledge of the 75-year-long plight of Palestinians have been sharply attuned to struggle with and for Palestinians demanding a permanent ceasefire, a lasting peace, and a Free Palestine. (At the end of this post, we are sharing two solidarity events that will be held this week.)

Freedom is a Constant Struggle so thoroughly and eloquently grounds us in the history of freedom movements and the imperative that we move ever toward transnational solidarity; the only path to achieve the liberation of our wildest abolitionist dreams. There could have been no better choice than reading this book this month to provide context for our collective sadness and frustration as the world's unrelenting demands for a ceasefire have gone unheeded. But our determination and action on behalf of Palestine is firmly moored in the history of freedom movements.

"I don't think we can rely on governments, regardless of who is in power, to do the work that only mass movements can do. I think what is most important about the sustained demonstrations that are happening is that they are having the effect of refusing to allow these issues to die." - Angela Y. Davis in 2014

As devastating as it has been to witness the continued assault, last Friday, we also witnessed a typically conservative International Court of Justice (ICJ) issue a ruling on the case brought by South Africa charging Israel with genocide. The ICJ ordered Israel to take steps to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza but stopped short of ordering a ceasefire. Bret Grote, legal director for the Abolitionist Law Center, summarizes the ruling:

The court says it has jurisdiction to rule in the case.
The court orders Israel to take measures to prevent acts of genocide in the Gaza Strip.
The court says Israel must prevent and punish incitement to genocide in the Gaza Strip.
The court says Israel must allow humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip.
The court obliges Israel to take more measures to protect Palestinians but does not order it to end military operations in the Gaza Strip.

Of course, the ruling falls altogether and maddeningly short for the millions worldwide demanding a ceasefire. Millions were hoping for an immediate stop to the ongoing assault on Gaza and relief for the millions who have been killed, displaced, and wounded. But while it did not order what so many hoped, the ruling was applauded by human rights and movement attorneys for what it did accomplish. As reported in The Intercept:

"It (the ruling) found that there is a basis to proceed with the case against Israel for genocide and that South Africa had a solid foundation to bring its case before the world's highest court." - Jeremy Schahill

The ruling does establish a legal basis to move forward, which South Africa has already pledged to do. And many of us are learning the limits of the law. In real-time. And particularly of international law, which Israel and the US routinely flout. Yet, it is meaningful that the ruling provides another avenue to pursue relief.

"As movement lawyers know, the law does not lead or resolve the injustices we challenge; it is but one tool among many." Bret Grote, Abolitionist Law Center

But less than 24 hours after the ruling, reports emerged that the US and eight other countries had paused funding to the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) amidst allegations a small number of employees were involved in the October 7 attack.

This is a tragic example of what we know, what history shows again and again. Any sliver of forward momentum will be met with swift and often brutal backlash. The cut to funding is lower than inhumane as the UN and countless organizations have been raising the alarm for months on the dire conditions and intense suffering Palestinians are experiencing—lack of food, shelter, medicine, supplies, hospitals, schools.

"UNRWA is the primary humanitarian agency in Gaza, with over 2 million people depending on it for their sheer survival. Many are hungry as the clock is ticking towards a looming famine. The Agency runs shelters for over 1 million people and provides food and primary healthcare even at the height of the hostilities….It would be immensely irresponsible to sanction an Agency and an entire community it serves because of allegations of criminal acts against some individuals, especially at a time of war, displacement, and political crises in the region."
-Official statement from UNRWA, January 27, 2024

What we also know is that Israel, the US, and every other nation hellbent on forcing its imperialist, settler colonialist will that cedes only for power will not give up its position. Not easily. Not without the determination and relentlessness of people united in the demand for freedom. It is a constant struggle that we must remain committed to, as many forebearers, like Angela Davis, have fearlessly demonstrated for us throughout history. On we struggle.

Please comment with any questions and topics you'd like to discuss on Wednesday.