Hi friends,
Regardless of whatever religion you may or may not practise, most of us recognise that this time of year was once a time for community and giving back. At least that was the messaging we were fed: it’s too cold and dark to go out, so be with family and be generous.
But slowly giving has become spending. Constant consumerism has run rampant. You must have this new item. You must spend, spend, spend. It is unavoidable. Brands are constantly fighting for our attention to sell us the next best thing. They know we are frustrated and unhappy. They want to sell us a cure. But no new kitchen appliance, no new phone will satisfy what we really need.
Take, for example, one of my least favourite companies: Coca-Cola. They have almost entirely co-oped Santa Claus as a brand mascot. We’ve had over 90 years of the big red Santa sipping his Coca-Cola. He’s not a jolly old man bringing gifts to the less fortunate, he’s an influencer.
I would like to introduce you to a totally different type of Santa. One that encompasses a different message.
In 2014, as they did for many years before, Palestinian men dressed as Santa marched peacefully through the streets of Bethlehem. They asked for an end to the occupation. And as every other year, they were met with tear gas and violence.
A Palestinian protestors demonstrate against Israeli settlements during Christmas, near a checkpoint in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Dec. 23, 2014. ABC News
This didn’t stop them from turning up again and again. Check out the pictures from 2016 – I think you’ll find them quite moving. https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20161225-israeli-forces-suppress-bethlehems-santa-claus-march-with-tear-gas-rubber-bullets/
Keep one eye on Bethlehem this Christmas. The Santas will march like they always do. Demanding an end to the genocide. Wanting the birthplace of Christmas back.
When a child in this country thinks of Santa they think of the cheerful Coca-Cola man who brings them presents. Yet Coca-Cola has only ever stolen from the Palestinian children. A massive Coca-Cola factory operates illegally, stealing water and land from these children.
Our biggest protest of the year happens in January. We must stand tall against tanks and armoured vehicles being bought and sold in Farnborough. Israel’s war machine will be on our doorstep as welcome guests by Farnborough Airport and the local MP, Alex Baker.
Last year we tried to make them feel unwelcome but our numbers were small. This year we need to be bigger and louder. We need you!
We would love to see you.
Stand strong like the Bethlehem Santas.
| Winter Success Summary: China destroys Israel’s diamond industry Hebron wall collapses under rainwater Countries boycott Eurovision Guinness World Records not accepting Israeli submissions |
The Farnborough Protest – STOP THE TANKS!!!
Weapons used by the Israeli army will be bought and sold at the International Armoured Vehicle Conference. We will gather outside to stand in solidarity with the victims of these weapons.
Date: Thursday 22nd Jan 5pm
Location: Farnborough Exhibition Centre, Gate B, GU14 6EL (more details on Instagram)
Bring a warm coat!
More details here
Next Steps:
- Have you signed our petition to stop the Arms Fair coming to Farnborough?
- Have you sent our template emails to your MP?
- Have you sent the most recent Humanti Project template email to your MP?
| This Winter’s Recs: Short read: Justice for Some – Noura Erakat Songs: Eat Your Young – Hozier Shop: Bedouin Heritage Instagram: Thobnah Website: Boycott Israel |
Free Palestine,
NHPSC
northhampshirepsc.com 