AF3IRM Calls for Justice for Killed/Wounded Freedom Flotilla Activists, People of Gaza

AF3IRM, formerly known as GABNet, condemns the Israeli military attack on the Freedom Flotilla on May 30, 2010. The brutal attack on 750 activists in international waters left at least 19 dead and over 30 injured. The Freedom Flotilla, comprised of 6 ships, was bringing more than 10,000 tons of aid in the form of food and medical supplies to the people of Gaza who have faced an Israel-imposed blockade since 2007.

The fascist aspect of the Israeli state has long been known to transnational Filipinos who are imported into said country and then abruptly deported when their services are no longer needed or profitable, no matter how many years they have lived there. It makes no difference that these same Filipinos had suffered through, been wounded and/or killed in, every war Israel had launched against its neighbors. As of the moment, between up to 40,000 Filipinos, including about 2,000 children, are at risk for deportation, following Israel’s policy of selective application of its constitutional provision to provide documentation to the undocumented.

In 2008, AF3IRM/GABNet chapters across the country took to the streets to protest the Israeli bombardment and siege on Gaza. Two years later, we will take to the streets again to protest this, but the latest of Israeli atrocities. We know full well the US complicity in the continuing genocide waged against the people of Palestine. We know full well the day-to-day tribulations endured by Palestinian women in the face of the blockade, which would not allow food, medicine and even children’s shoes to enter Gaza.

We note that even sixty years of the most atrocious occupation has not deemed the spirit of liberation among the Palestinian people. We stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine, especially the women who have to keep light of life triumphant shining in the darkness of the Israeli-waged genocide.

The women of AF3IRM demand an end to the use of US tax payer money for lethal violence on those attempting to provide humanitarian aid. Over 3 billion dollars a year of taxes, generated by our labor, are given to the Israeli government, and today we say - "NO MORE!" US taxpayer money should be used to fund education, services, and housing for the people of the United States, not used for F-16s, bullets, and bombs to rob the people of Palestine of their rights to life and basic needs.

We call on President Obama and Congress to denounce the latest attacks on those attempting to place human rights above Zionism. The world will hold the US and Israeli governments accountable for any inaction against these vicious attacks. AF3IRM stands with the people of Palestine in their long quest, shedding blood and tears for the human right to live free.

VIVA VIVA PALESTINA!

LONG LIVE INTIFADA!

END ZIONISM!

RETURN THE OCCUPIED LANDS OF PALESTINE!