On this Land Day, Palestinians Remain Steadfast in the Midst of the Genocide Dear Email, This year, Eid falls on March 30th, a momentous day in Palestinian history. On March 30th, 1976, Palestinians who remained in 1948 Palestine called the first general strike that developed into mass demonstrations against Israel's large-scale land seizures and policy to “Judaize” the Galilee and thereby further marginalize and dilute the indigenous Palestinian minority. On that day, 6 unarmed Palestinians were killed, close to 100 were wounded, and 100s of others were arrested. For the first time since 1948, an organized general strike was called against Israel’s policy of land expropriation and emphasized the collective consciousness of the Palestinians throughout all of historic Palestine and beyond. Every year, Palestinians throughout the world commemorate March 30th as “Land Day” (Yom Al-Ard). In honor of Land Day, on March 30th, 2018, 40,000-50,000 Palestinian men, women, and children took to the perimeter fence separating Gaza from Israel, in popular protest, to demand an end to the Israeli siege and blockade, and their right of return. This became known as the Great March of Return. These weekly protests were met with Israeli tear gas, rubber-coated bullets, and live ammunition. Over 200 Palestinians were killed, including 46 children. An independent Commission of Inquiry found that there are “reasonable grounds” to believe that Israeli snipers targeted children, health workers, journalists, and the disabled. Israel’s brutality knows no bounds. Whether during peaceful marches or otherwise, our brothers and sisters in Palestine, especially in Gaza, continue to live under Israel’s brutal oppression, with unconditional U.S. support. As we celebrate our blessed day of Eid and spend time with our loved ones, let us remind ourselves that our struggle for justice goes beyond our immediate circles. Fighting for justice is a duty of our faith, so let us fulfill it. Eid Mubarak! In solidarity, American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) P.S. Join AMP and partners from across the country in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, April 5th at 1 PM EST as we demand an end to the genocide in Gaza and stand united against Trump’s dangerous plans. This is your moment to show up. |