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SPSC Statement on the hate campaign against former Sheffield student Malaka Shwaikh

The Mail Online, an offshoot of the Daily Mail,  along with a some other on-line publications and abusive emails fanned by the Campaign Against Antisemitism, are currently alleging that Malaka, presently a Ph.D. student at Exeter University, under the supervision of the Israeli born Professor Ilan Pappe, is a supporter of terrorism and is antisemitic. Why, some might wonder, but clearly not the Mail or the Campaign Against Antisemtism, would an anti-Semite choose to study under a Jewish professor?  There is clearly more to this story than what Malaka’s detractors would like people to believe.

MALAKA
Malaka

The Mail Online launched the campaign against Malaka, stating in bold letters: ‘Palestinian student, 25, tweets “I am so proud to be called a terrorist’ sparking an anti-Semitism investigation at the University of Exeter.”  The tweet, which had been hacked, was doctored. The full sentence reads:  “If terrorism means protecting and defending my land, I am so proud to be called terrorist. What an honour for the Palestinians!” Moreover, this was said in the context of Israel’s 2014 bloody onslaught on Gaza.  A reference by her to the Holocaust was similarly distorted by not reporting her tweet stating that it was a horrific crime.

But the full malevolence of distorting her tweets in order to suggest that their author is not only a terrorist sympathiser but an anti-Semite only becomes evident in the light of Malaka’s political

activism.   As well as being a proud Palestinian committed to justice for her people, she is also a principled opponent of all forms of racism. She recently helped to organise a march at Exeter University to protest against swastikas and ‘Rights for Whites’ slogans daubed on walls in halls of residence.

The attack on Malaka is part of a coordinated attempt to discredit pro-Palestinian campaigners. Malaka, herself, had been subjected to earlier smear campaigns when she was a student at Sheffield University. As Israel has become increasingly rightwing and xenophobic, feted by white supremacists and Islamophobes,  its supporters desperately seek to regain public sympathy by accusing its critics of anti-Semitism and terrorist sympathies. It will not work.  Israel’s record is there for all to see and Palestinian activists and the solidarity movement will continue to grow in numbers and in effectiveness as they have over the past three decades.

We, in Sheffield, know Malaka well from the period that she spent in the city as a student. We condemn her vilification and fully support her stand against it.

Read Malaka’s full statement, read Mondoweiss article here: https://goo.gl/1XrB4k

UN Human Rights Day

humanrightsprotestSome of the people who joined the protest today.  On UN Human Rights Day we wished to point out that Israel is engaged on a further land grab in Hebron.  This and similar are illegal under International law.  The UK Government, accepts that these land grabs are illegal but has a policy of business as usual with the Apartheid State.

UN Day of Solidarity

un-day-of-solidarity

A very strong display of Solidarity with the Palestinians.   The street theatre was very impressive.  Congratulations to all the actors (and to everyone who came.)

The next protest is on UN Day of Human Rights.  We will be protesting about Israeli land thefts in Hebron, West Bank.

International week of action in Sheffield and everywhere…

iwaahp

HP knowingly provides technology that enables Israel’s denial of freedom of movement for Palestinians living under its occupation regime — from checkpoints to illegal settlements to prisons to the devastating blockade of 2 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

The BDS movement is poised to send a powerful message to HP with more than 90 actions planned worldwide during this Week of Action.

anti Hewlett Packard action location

In Sheffield today a great rally outside John Lewis and singing from the Sheffield socialist choir

 

 

 

 

 

 

hewlett packard harms palestinians

Benefit Meal

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About 80 people were at this very enjoyable meal.  Jews, Christians, and Muslims and others enjoyed the dancing of Shahd Abu Salama and the fantastic music.  In these dark times it is inspirational that people can come together in solidarity to raise money for children’s charities in Gaza.  We have just sent moneys to Gaza so our coffers are bare.

Shahd Abu Salama  was a young girl when she was first here in 2005 so it was delightful to see how she has grown into a such strong confidant singer and speaker.  More pictures are here