Palestine solidarity campaign of the Left youth of Finland
The only kind of news coming out of the Middle East tends to be bad. The media deliver newsflashes on bloodshed, terrorism, military operations, retaliatory strikes and an endless cycle of mutual accusations. Violence is often seen as an extension of the millennia-long war of fanaticised religion – a war for which no end is in sight.
However, the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians has not lasted for thousands of years and it is not primarily about religion. Religion is nevertheless used as a justification for violence on both sides of the divide.
The right of two peoples to live in peace in their own state is at stake – more so than religion and history. Israel justifies military strikes by claiming to uproot terrorism, whereas the Palestinians justify counter-violence by the need to oppose occupation. The Israelis want security without the threat of terror, the Palestinians want a sovereign and viable state without occupation. The problem is that one cannot be accomplished without the other. Therefore returning to the negotiating table with the help of the international community is the only way to bring about permanent results.
The Palestinians still have to be able to live in their towns, villages and refugee camps until a durable peace solution is found. Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories has severely disrupted the lives of ordinary people. Arbitrary checkpoints and the “security wall” divide Palestinian territory breaking up communities, isolating villages and stopping children from getting to school, students to universities, farmers to their crops and employees to their workplaces. The occupation has caused mass unemployment and deep poverty among the Palestinians. A significant number of Palestinians are dependent on international humanitarian aid.
Despite these hardships the occupied Palestinians have continued to struggle for independence. Thus far they have been time and time again disappointed by the promises made by the international community.
Lasting peace in the Middle East can be achieved by continuing negotiations. Prolonging the current situation is not in the interest of either the Palestinians or the Israelis.
The Palestinians must have their own state. The Israeli colonies and the security wall, which are in breach of international law, must be removed from Palestinian territory. Final borders must be agreed upon and Jerusalem must be made the common capital of two peoples. The ultimate aim must be a future in which two peoples can live in peace in their respective states.
With its Palestine solidarity campaign the Left Youth of Finland intends to inform Finns of the hardships and struggle for freedom the people of Palestine are going through, and to provide actual aid to the local youth. The campaign is being undertaken in co-operation with Palestinian youth organisations.
We are planning a special communications centre which will provide Palestinian youths with the latest communication technology, computers, Internet connectivity and fax and copying machines. The centre could be used by both the youth organisations and the youths themselves, for instance for studying. The Left Youth also wishes to participate in paying tuition costs for young Palestinians in local universities.
Read the annual report (2006) of the projectIt is important for the campaign to create relationships between individuals and organisations in Palestine and Finland. During the campaign the Left Youth will invite Palestinian counterparts to Finland and organise visits to Palestine. The solidarity campaign organises various events around Finland, such as discussions, happenings and concerts. Join us in working towards a free Palestine!
käännös/translation: Sam Hardwick
