Nationwide hunger strike in the US
This press release was originally published by USPCN, NSJP, PYM, FTP.
#DIGNITYSTRIKE36 CALL TO ACTION
WHAT: Join Palestinian students in the U.S. for a nationwide, day-long hunger strike to amplify the voices of over 1,500 Palestinian political prisoners on day 36 of their hunger strike
WHEN: Monday, May 22, 2017 (all day)
WHERE: Nationwide, both online and on the following campuses: Northwestern University, University of Chicago, DePaul University, Columbia University, University of California-Irvine, University of California Davis, and University of California-Riverside, University of California San Diego, Hunter College, Stony Brook University.
Sponsors: USPCN, NSJP, PYM, FTP
On Monday, the hunger strikers will enter their 6th week. This is a state of emergency.
By the minute, the situation is becoming more critical and the risk of health deterioration is increasing. Coverage and opinion is critical to the success of any hunger strike. Thus far, international media has avoided the #DignityStrike in accordance with the Israeli state propaganda machine while the damage to Palestinian prisoners’ bodies only grows.
Right now, there are 6,300 Palestinian political prisoners in Israeli prisons, including 500 administrative detainees. More than 1,500 of them have engaged in 5 weeks of an open-ended hunger strike. The hunger strikers’ demands include
1. An increase in family visits
2. Access to proper medical care and education
3. An end to administrative detention and
4. An end to solitary confinement
On May 22, the 36th day and 6th week of the Dignity Strike, we are calling for Palestinians, Arabs, and all allies across the country to participate in a 24 hour hunger strike and an online social media campaign. Under the umbrella #DignityStrike36, we join our voices to support the #DignityStrike, push US media to cover the strike, and put greater pressure on Israel.
Suggested actions:
1. Join the day long hunger strike.
2. Use the hashtag #DignityStrike36 on Twitter/Facebook
3. Take a picture with a sign that has the hashtag #DignityStrike36 and post it on your social media accounts.
4. Call the Red Cross to make greater efforts to aid the hunger strikers
-Red Cross office in Jerusalem +972-2-591-7900
-Red Cross national headquarters in Washington DC 1-800-733-2767
