Palestinian heroes Mahmoud al-Ardah and Yaqoub Qadri were seized by Israeli occupation forces six days after they liberated themselves and exposed the weakness and fragility of Israeli technological superiority and military hegemony at the high-security Gilboa prison. They have been subjected to one of the most intense Israeli manhunts in history in an attempt to counter the powerful message of hope and freedom that the six liberated detainees of the Freedom Brigade have provided to the Palestinian people and the world.
Four Palestinian liberated prisoners remain free, claiming their freedom with the most basic of tools and in the most dire conditions, and subject to the ongoing pursuit by all levels of Israeli occupation military, police, intelligence and security forces.
Given the record of the Israeli occupation, we have every reason to believe that Mahmoud Ardah and Yaqoub Qadri will be subjected to severe torture and abuse in an attempt to garner information on the whereabouts of their four liberated brothers. We must make it clear that the world is watching and will and must act to defend these heroic prisoners of freedom.
It is more important than ever to stand with Mahmoud al-Ardah, Yaqoub Qadri, the four freed prisoners, and their fellow nearly 5,000 Palestinian political prisoners in Israeli occupation jails, to demand their freedom and place the eyes of the world on the struggle of these brave men and women against their colonial occupier.
Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network emphasizes and amplifies the call of the Palestinian prisoners’ movement to stand with the Palestinian prisoners and the Palestinian people today to demand justice and liberation for Palestine, from the river to the sea. The liberated detainees of Gilboa prison represent the irrepressible hope of and commitment to liberation that no amount of militarized repression and Zionist colonization has suppressed, for over 73 years. The actions of this “Freedom Brigade” are not only a symbol of hope for Palestinians but also for everyone in the world who seeks justice and freedom. Inside the prison walls, Palestinian prisoners continue to defend themselves against ongoing invasions and attacks.
Western imperialist governments are not innocent in the ongoing attacks against Palestinian prisoners and the colonization of Palestine. From the U.S.’ over $3.8 billion annually in weaponry provided to the Israeli regime to the ongoing economic, political and diplomatic support provided by the European Union, Canada, the United Kingdom and others, all of these states are directly involved in the ongoing crimes perpetuated against the Palestinian people. Everywhere in the world, we can and must act now to stand with the Palestinian prisoners and their uprising, and for the liberation of Palestine!
Join us in action:
1. Demonstrations, rallies and street actions – including actions to boycott Israel!
Have a protest or action to free Palestinian prisoners, support the Palestinian struggle for liberation, stand with the Palestinian resistance and boycott Israel and its complicit corporations. Join the many protests taking place around the world — confront, isolate and besiege the Israeli embassy or consulate in your city or country of residence. Make it clear that the people are with Palestine and the liberated prisoners! Send us your events at [email protected].
2. Creative Actions
Creative actions are a wonderful way to spread the word and highlight the struggle of the Palestinian prisoners. The banner hung by Samidoun España in Madrid at the University metro station highlighted the struggle of Palestinian students, while the campaign to symbolically rename streets after Georges Abdallah internationally commemorated his birthday and amplified the demand for his liberation.
These actions only require one, two or a few people. You can even simply poster and sticker around your neighbourhood. Contact us via email at [email protected] or via WhatsApp at +32466904397 if you are looking for image ideas or resources!
3. Demand Your Government Sanction Israel!
The racist, settler colonial state of Israel and its war crimes against the Palestinian people are enabled and backed extensively by the over $3.8 billion each year given to Israel by the United States — targeted directly to support the Israeli occupation military killing children, women, men and elders throughout occupied Palestine. From Canada to Australia to the European Union, Western governments and imperialist powers provide ongoing diplomatic, political and economic support to Israel as well as selling billions of dollars of weaponry to the settler-colonial state. Meanwhile, they also purchase billions of dollars in weaponry from the Israeli state. Governments in league with imperialist powers, such as in the Philippines, Brazil, India and elsewhere, also buy weapons and “security” services — all “battle-tested” on the Palestinian population. Call your representatives, MPs, political officials and demand your government sanction Israel now, cut off all aid, expel its ambassadors, and stop buying and selling weapons!