Finland: Palestine Day in Tampere
We share an unofficial translation of the report published by the Anti-Imperialist Collective (AIK) on Instagram (@antiimperialistenkollektiiv) and found in Punalippu.
On Saturday, October 4th, we organized the Palestine Day at the Library in collaboration with various solidarity organizations. There were baked goods and crafts made by the organizers and families. All proceeds from the day were collected for Palestine through Crafts for Gaza (@crafts4gaza).
The speeches at the event were preceded by a poetry recital, and speeches were given by, among others, a JHL trade union activist [Translator’s note: The Trade Union for the Public and Welfare Sector], the municipal politician Mahmoud Machaal (@machaalmahmoud) and the AIK. The microphone was also circulated in the audience and the speakers were allowed to answer questions.
The speeches and discussions addressed the acute situation in Palestine, Finland’s involvement, the problems of the Palestine solidarity movement, and encouraging examples from around the world. AIK emphasized the necessity of openly defending the legitimacy of resistance against genocide, and how breaking Finnish imperialism’s decades-long relationship with Zionism requires revolution.
The new US “peace plan” was unanimously condemned and likewise, despite differences in the perspectives of resistance in the face of the joint attack of US imperialism and Zionism, there was consensus that only the people of Palestine should have the right to decide their lives on their own land.
The space was filled with visitors sitting around for coffee and discussions throughout the day, and over 50 people attended the event. The sticker workshop was surprisingly popular, especially among children and young people, and the organizers were able to admire the products that appeared in the environment on their way home. Thanks to the cooperation and great help of many participants, the event became a success in raising local solidarity for the national liberation of Palestine.
