From Mohammed Mukhaimar:
I would like to thank you all for gathering to commemorate the Nakba after 70 years of systematic brutal colonisation of our country and people. It’s also 70 years of continuous collective struggle and global solidarity that is growing day after day despite the darkness of the moment and the evil force that grabs our world in the present moment. The Zionist project that has led to the current apartheid in Palestine will fail as long as we carry on the activism and build on the good work that you are doing. Yesterday, one of the leading projects of Sumud has achieved a remarkable milestone. The Palestinian Association for Behavioural and cognitive therapies held its first national conference in Palestine. Sumud has played a leading role in the establishment of the association as the first specialized body in the field of psychotherapy in Palestine. Sumud funded the conference and helped in raising its profile nationally and internationally.
We thank you deeply for keeping the Palestinian cause alive in this area of the world. We keep going together until our soft power achieves victory and justice for Palestine.With love and solidarity, Mohammed.
From Nidal Abu Zuluf, Manager of the JAI Keep Hope Alive Olive Tree Campaign:
Dear Friends
Greeting form the Palestinian Occupied territory.We convey our love and attitude to you all for joining our people in Walking for their rights.
This year we commemorate 70 years of Nakba, when 750,000 Palestinian were ethnically cleansed and forced to leave their land and properties by the Zionist militia groups. Consequently some 500 Palestinian villages were destroyed and erased to hide this crime. Nevertheless, there are still many people having this in memory and sharing this painful story with their children and this moves from a generation to another. People won’t forget that they have rights and dreams to realize.
In this year the Palestinians have started their Great March of return since March 30th (the Land Day) with a clear message to the world that we have rights and the world community has obligations under International Law to support and protect these rights. The peak of these marches will be in Mid-May. Many will march to their destroyed villages. Some will make it and others won’t be allowed to do. But still the determination is there
This year the commemoration of Nakba also comes during the Israeli – American celebrations of moving the USA Embassy to Jerusalem. This was based on Trump’s declaration on Jerusalem last December that came in breach of the international Law and was rejected by many countries. This creates much anger and tense in the Palestinian street.Your walk of support and solidarity with our walks to the destroyed villages has a great significance. It shows a light of love through the darkness of hate and oppression. It gives us hope for a different future. It also shows that in spite of all the worsening political situation, ignorance and indifference, the world if still full of peace- loving people, who are committed and dedicated to work for justice anywhere.
We have faith in you, believe in you and your ability to influence.
Thank you for your solidarity and engagement.
Much Love and appreciation to all of you
(Sumud Palestine has sponsored 878 (£13,166) olive trees for the JAI Keep Hope Alive Olive Tree Campaign)
Around 60 people attended and £501.45 was raised to be divided between Sumud Palestine and the Stafford Beit-Liqya Twinning Group.