Nonviolence News: Netanyahu Protests, Uganda Erupts & German Punks Spoil Holiday Island
Netanyahu Protests, Uganda Erupts & German Punks Spoil Holiday Island
Editor's Note From Rivera Sun
Israeli Prime Minister's visit to US Congress set off a firestorm of protests. Around half of the Democrats skipped his speech to congress. Several came in protest, including Rep. Rashida Tlaib who held up a sign that said "guilty of genocide" on one side and "war criminal" on the other. In the Rotunda, 400 American Jews held a sit-in protest (pictured) while outside thousands more protested in the streets of Washington, DC. While some politicians and news channels painted the protests as 'anti-semitic and violent', on-the-ground reports offered a very different picture.
Widespread opposition to US support for Israeli's assault on Gaza (and now the West Bank) was a contributing factor to the calls that forced President Biden to resign from the presidential race. Pro-Palestinian activists say this is a chance for leading candidates (like Vice President Kamala Harris) to change course on the issue. Meanwhile, the movement for a ceasefire continues to take action, including protests to stop illegal land sales, Israel's secret campaign to influence US congress members, and weapons shipments, funds, and sales by both governments and military contractors.
In other Nonviolence News, Bangladeshi protesters achieved some of their demands when a top court reigned in the quota program they've been opposing. Inspired by Kenyan protests, Ugandans held marches and demonstrations calling for their speaker to resign over corruption and economic conditions. Aid groups and migrants are trying to stop the 'social cleansing' happening in Paris amidst the 2024 Olympics. The 'Oil Kills' campaign coordinated climate actions at airports in 15 countries. Over 1000 people protested the police killing of a 13-year-old Asian-American child in Utica, New York. And on a holiday island in Germany, young punks have set up a summer-long protest encampment to raise social issues as the super-rich gather to party.
Find more stories in this week's Nonviolence News>>
Take a look at all that's going on. It's impressive. And there's much to learn from how our fellow humans are taking action.
For example, I liked the tenants union that is installing free air conditioners amidst record heat temperatures. Or the slogan of a US debtors' union: You are not a loan. Or the amazing collection of articles from Waging Nonviolence on "Democracy Is A Verb" and how to defend it in these times.
Did you have a favorite story this week? Be sure to share it on social media or with a friend. That doubles its impact and is a gift of inspiration. Thank you.
In solidarity,
Rivera Sun