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<h1 class="gmail-reader-title">Palestine Solidarity Crackdown: Challenges in the US & Europe</h1>
<div class="gmail-credits gmail-reader-credits"></div>December 17, 2023<br></div><div class="gmail-content"><div class="gmail-moz-reader-content gmail-reader-show-element"><div id="gmail-readability-page-1" class="gmail-page"><div>
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<p><span>Israel’s </span><a href="https://al-shabaka.org/roundtables/genocide-in-gaza-global-culpability-and-ways-forward/"><span>2023 genocide</span></a><span> of Palestinians in Gaza has horrified many around the world and drawn widespread public outcry, with </span><a href="https://www.palestine-studies.org/en/node/1654576"><span>unprecedented levels</span></a><span>
of solidarity organizing taking place across the globe. Millions have
gathered in the streets, issued public statements, and mobilized to </span><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/7/protesters-block-us-military-ship-allegedly-carrying-weapons-for-israel"><span>block corporate</span></a><span>
and state-led support not only for the Israeli regime’s recent
onslaught but for its decades-long colonial occupation of Palestine. But
as this unparalleled solidarity has emerged, so too has extraordinary
repression at every level. </span></p>
<p><span>Al-Shabaka spoke with Layla Kattermann of the </span><a href="https://elsc.support/"><span>European Legal Support Center</span></a><span> (ELSC) and Diala Shamas of the </span><a href="https://ccrjustice.org/"><span>Center for Constitutional Rights</span></a><span>
(CCR) for further insight on this suppression of mobilization.
Together, they detail some of the intimidation tactics and punitive
actions taken by governments across North America and Europe and offer
concrete advice for how to resist such efforts to stifle Palestine
solidarity. </span></p>
<p><span>This interview is a lightly edited version of a conversation featured on Al-Shabaka’s podcast series, </span><i><span>Rethinking Palestine</span></i><span>, hosted by Senior Analyst Yara Hawari, in October of 2023. </span><a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/1433386/13858200-countering-repression-of-palestine-solidarity-in-the-us-europe.mp3?download=true"><span>The full discussion may be listened to here</span></a><span>.<span id="easy-footnote-1-19103"></span><span><a title="" aria-describedby="qtip-0"><sup>1</sup></a></span></span></p>
<h2><span id="gmail-Since_the_start_of_the_assault_on_Gaza_what_has_the_repression_of_solidarity_with_Palestine_looked_like_in_Europe"></span><b><i>Since the start of the assault on Gaza, what has the repression of solidarity with Palestine looked like in Europe?</i></b><span></span></h2>
<h3><b>Layla Kattermann</b></h3>
<p><span>The repression we are currently witnessing in Europe is the
culmination of a decades-long attempt to connect the Palestinian
identity and experience with terrorism and antisemitism. This false
connection has been particularly exploited to suppress protests and
demonstrations. Although the right to protest is considered fundamental
in Europe—and demonstrations are an indicator of a healthy democratic
system—several countries, such as </span><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/10/world/europe/germany-pro-palestinian-protests.html"><span>Germany</span></a><span>, </span><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/12/france-bans-pro-palestine-rallies-cracks-down-on-protesters-amid-gaza-war"><span>France</span></a><span>, and </span><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/from-river-sea-prompts-vienna-ban-pro-palestinian-protest-2023-10-11/"><span>Austria</span></a><span>, are violating that right by </span><a href="https://time.com/6326360/europe-palestine-protests-free-speech/"><span>banning demonstrations</span></a><span> in solidarity with the Palestinian people. </span></p>
<p><span><span><span><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fow.ly%2FAHVx50Qi0A7&text=The%20language%20used%20by%20European%20media%2C%20politicians%2C%20and%20police%20orders%20to%20justify%20Palestine%20solidarity%20repression%20is%20aimed%20at%20thwarting%20any%20divergence%20from%20the%20colonial%20mainstream%20narratives&via=AlShabaka&related=AlShabaka" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The
language used by European media, politicians, and police orders to
justify Palestine solidarity repression is aimed at thwarting any
divergence from the colonial mainstream narratives </a></span><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fow.ly%2FAHVx50Qi0A7&text=The%20language%20used%20by%20European%20media%2C%20politicians%2C%20and%20police%20orders%20to%20justify%20Palestine%20solidarity%20repression%20is%20aimed%20at%20thwarting%20any%20divergence%20from%20the%20colonial%20mainstream%20narratives&via=AlShabaka&related=AlShabaka" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Click To Tweet</a></span></span></p>
<p><span>In Germany, for example, not only are protests being banned,
but we are also witnessing police violence, arrests, and harassment for
any displays of Palestine solidarity. In Berlin alone, there were
roughly 600 police detentions between October 11th and October 20th,
2023, for this reason. This crackdown has also extended to schools: The
Berlin Senate Department for Education, Youth and Family, for example,
sent a letter to all Berlin school authorities and supervisors asking
them to </span><a href="https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/berlin-bans-palestinian-keffiyeh-scarves-in-schools/3019089"><span>ban students from wearing keffiyehs</span></a><span>
and other Palestinian symbols or slogans, such as “Free Palestine.”
School authorities were likewise asked to notify the police of any
violations of this ban, and in at least one instance a school director
has been suspended for refusing to comply.</span></p>
<p><span>Work suspensions and terminations of employment such as these are also </span><a href="https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2023/11/03/yzaq-n03.html"><span>on the rise</span></a><span> for expressions of solidarity with Palestine. Other forms of repression that we are seeing at increasing rates include </span><a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/museum-israel-gaza-artforum-palestinians-fired-b2440699.html"><span>smear campaigns</span></a><span> of individuals and groups, </span><a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2023/11/platforms-must-stop-unjustified-takedowns-posts-and-about-palestinians"><span>online de-platforming</span></a><span>, withdrawal of use of venues, </span><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/11/30/art-world-cancels-palestine-solidarity"><span>cancellations of events</span></a><span>,
and disinvitations. Many of these punitive measures are justified
through racist arguments and bolstered by the rise of far-right parties
across Europe, which have consistently dehumanized migrants, refugees,
and particularly those of Muslim backgrounds.</span></p>
<h2><span id="gmail-What_about_in_the_US"></span><b><i>What about in the US?</i></b><span></span></h2>
<h3><b>Diala Shamas</b></h3>
<p><span>In the US, there has been a range of incidents of both
institutional and private repression. On the institutional side, law
enforcement officers, including the FBI, have </span><a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/10/13/palestinians-muslims-fbi/"><span>summoned Palestinians for questioning</span></a><span>
through “voluntary interviews,” often leveraging immigration concerns
or status to coerce individuals into speaking. Additionally, local
police departments have circulated notices indicating plans for special
monitoring or surveillance of Palestine solidarity protests. This has
come as a directive from the highest levels of government—indeed,
President Biden himself </span><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2023/10/10/remarks-by-president-biden-on-the-terrorist-attacks-in-israel-2/#:~:text=So%2C%20in%20this%20moment%2C%20we,is%20no%20justification%20for%20terrorism."><span>mentioned</span></a><span> that he was instructing law enforcement to monitor the situation closely. In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams </span><a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/pro-palestine-protesters-new-york-city-mayor-eric-adams-shame-you#:~:text=%E2%80%9CAt%20a%20moment%20when%20innocent,streets%20to%20spread%20your%20hate.%E2%80%9D"><span>went further</span></a><span>
to essentially equate protesters marching and speaking out in support
of Palestinian rights with support for terrorism. Such discourse has
been widespread, from elected officials across city, state, and federal
levels. It is really concerning to witness the exploitation of this
tremendous power imbalance, especially when these officials start
publicly naming different activist groups, and sometimes even specific
individuals.</span></p>
<p><span>Private repression is also taking place at a frightening level.
For example, a conference by the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights </span><a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/18/business/hilton-hotel-texas-palestine-israel/index.html"><span>was cancelled</span></a><span>
because the venue—a Hilton hotel—received threats and ultimately pulled
out from hosting the event. There has also been a surge in hate crimes,
from the </span><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/suspect-wadea-al-fayoume-death-was-obsessed-israel-hamas-war-prosecuto-rcna120589"><span>violent murder</span></a><span> of 6-year-old Palestinian-American, </span><span>Wadea Al Fayoume,</span><span> in Chicago, to the </span><a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/11/27/1215477172/man-pleads-not-guilty-to-attempted-murder-of-three-palestinian-student-in-vermon"><span>attempted murder</span></a><span> of three Palestinian university students in Vermont.</span></p>
<p><span><span><span><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fow.ly%2FAHVx50Qi0A7&text=There%20is%20an%20infrastructure%20behind%20the%20repression%20of%20Palestine%20solidarity%20that%20includes%20both%20legislation%20and%20a%20discourse%20that%20equates%20anti-Zionism%20with%20antisemitism.%20In%20moments%20like%20this%2C%20the%20switch%20can%20be%20flipped%20and%20all%20tactics%20may%20be%E2%80%A6&via=AlShabaka&related=AlShabaka" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">There
is an infrastructure behind the repression of Palestine solidarity that
includes both legislation and a discourse that equates anti-Zionism
with antisemitism. In moments like this, the switch can be flipped and
all tactics may be… </a></span><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fow.ly%2FAHVx50Qi0A7&text=There%20is%20an%20infrastructure%20behind%20the%20repression%20of%20Palestine%20solidarity%20that%20includes%20both%20legislation%20and%20a%20discourse%20that%20equates%20anti-Zionism%20with%20antisemitism.%20In%20moments%20like%20this%2C%20the%20switch%20can%20be%20flipped%20and%20all%20tactics%20may%20be%E2%80%A6&via=AlShabaka&related=AlShabaka" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Click To Tweet</a></span></span></p>
<p><span>Similarly, the professional repercussions of voicing support
for the Palestinian people at this time have been at an all-time high.
At academic institutions, for example, professors have </span><a href="https://www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2023/10/17/petition-calling-for-removal-of-mesaas-professor-joseph-massad-garners-over-47000-signatures/"><span>come under pressure</span></a><span> for statements made about October 7</span><span>th </span><span>and
the unfolding genocide in Gaza. And across various professional fields
we are learning of reports of individuals demanding that staff face
severe consequences or be terminated from their positions for statements
made in their personal capacities. This is happening all over the US,
and we are yet to understand the full scale of it.</span></p>
<p><span>Doxxing is likewise on the rise, with the posting of private
and identifying information of people speaking out against the genocide
in Gaza. On the Harvard University campus, for instance, pro-Israeli
groups sponsored</span><a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/big-story/israel-palestine-war-us-universities-free-speech"> <span>digital billboard trucks</span></a><span>
to drive around with pictures of student activist leaders under the
headline “antisemite.” The students featured had signed statements
condemning Israeli atrocities in Gaza. Acts such as these are clearly
intended to intimidate those in support of Palestinian rights and to
inflict both mental health and professional consequences. It is worth
noting that many of the people subjected to doxxing are Palestinian,
Arab, or from other communities of color. </span></p>
<h2><span id="gmail-Is_this_level_of_repression_unprecedented"></span><b><i>Is this level of repression unprecedented?</i></b><span></span></h2>
<h3><b>Layla Kattermann</b></h3>
<p><span>Not necessarily. Rather, it should be understood as a
continuation and acceleration of a worrying trend. The repression of the
Palestine solidarity movement or Palestinian rights advocacy did not
start with the latest bombardment of Gaza. While the ELSC has monitored
Europe's crackdown on Palestine solidarity since 2019, it of course
existed long before. It is a repression that has long been justified
through racist depictions of Palestinians that depict them as either
terrorist threats and/or inherently antisemitic. </span></p>
<p><span>In Europe, there is the Orwellian strategy used to portray the Other as a </span><a href="https://www.politico.eu/article/israel-palestine-conflict-europe-united-states-swap-scripts/"><span>barbaric threat</span></a><span>
and the Self as a barometer of moral security. Within this strategy we
see new words being invented and undesirable ones stripped of their
meaning. Thus, the language used by European media, politicians, and
police orders to justify Palestine solidarity repression is aimed at
thwarting any divergence from the colonial mainstream narratives. As
part of this strategy, we see a huge effort by European politicians and
mainstream media </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/mar/02/civilised-european-look-like-us-racist-coverage-ukraine"><span>that echoes</span></a><span> the “us versus them” and “civilized versus uncivilized” dichotomy of 9/11.</span></p>
<p><span>While the tactics used to silence criticism of the Israeli
regime today are not as visible or obvious as imprisonments or
assassinations of dissidents, what we see instead is the attempt to
damage activists’ psychological and organizational strength. Indeed, the
censoring of civil society organizations and the </span><a href="https://tribunemag.co.uk/2023/10/criminalising-palestine-solidarity"><span>demonization of solidarity groups</span></a><span> are efforts to reduce the political capabilities of the Palestine solidarity movement. Likewise, the attempts to </span><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/2/from-the-river-to-the-sea-what-does-the-palestinian-slogan-really-mean"><span>criminalize certain slogans</span></a><span>,
such as “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” are
obvious efforts to frighten activists. This repression is the
continuation of a trend that started several years ago, with
implementation of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2020/nov/29/palestinian-rights-and-the-ihra-definition-of-antisemitism"><span>definition of antisemitism</span></a><span> in many institutions and the passing of </span><a href="https://al-shabaka.org/podcasts/challenging-the-british-anti-boycott-bill-with-ben-jamal/"><span>anti-BDS legislation</span></a><span>. </span></p>
<h3><b>Diala Shamas</b></h3>
<p><span>The repression itself is not unprecedented, but the level and
scale feel like nothing we have had to face before. Those particularly
working in the legal response to this crackdown have noted that the
numbers of reported instances of repression are at an all-time high. But
I do think it is helpful to think of all of this as part of the
architecture of repression that has been built over the last decade.
Indeed, there is an infrastructure behind the repression of Palestine
solidarity that includes both legislation and a discourse that </span><a href="https://al-shabaka.org/briefs/liberal-zionism-a-pillar-of-israels-settler-colonization-project/"><span>equates anti-Zionism with antisemitism</span></a><span>. In moments like this, the switch can be flipped and all tactics may be activated at once. These are </span><a href="https://al-shabaka.org/labs/lawfare-and-palestine-strategies-for-resisting-criminalization/"><span>mechanisms of repression</span></a><span> that have become very well oiled in many ways over a long period of time.</span></p>
<p><span><span><span><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fow.ly%2FAHVx50Qi0A7&text=It%20is%20important%20that%20both%20individuals%20and%20the%20movement%20as%20a%20whole%20are%20not%20intimidated%20into%20silence%20or%20inaction&via=AlShabaka&related=AlShabaka" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">It is important that both individuals and the movement as a whole are not intimidated into silence or inaction </a></span><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fow.ly%2FAHVx50Qi0A7&text=It%20is%20important%20that%20both%20individuals%20and%20the%20movement%20as%20a%20whole%20are%20not%20intimidated%20into%20silence%20or%20inaction&via=AlShabaka&related=AlShabaka" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Click To Tweet</a></span></span></p>
<p><span>On the other hand, because this has been happening over a
period of years, we also now have institutions and professionals well
prepared to challenge these oppressive strategies. In a moment such as
this, they are able to provide support and a line of defense. For
example, </span><a href="https://palestinelegal.org/"><span>Palestine Legal</span></a><span>
has a network of attorneys that they've built up to support people
facing attacks for their advocacy in favor of Palestinian rights.
Meanwhile, CCR is also doing similar work </span><span>but on a broader range of civil and human rights issues</span><span>. Nonetheless, there is a dire need to expand our movement defense capabilities to be able to handle the unprecedented caseload.</span></p>
<h2><span id="gmail-How_have_the_ELSC_and_CCR_responded_to_this_repression"></span><b><i>How have the ELSC and CCR responded to this repression?</i></b><span></span></h2>
<h3><b>Layla Kattermann</b></h3>
<p><span>The ELSC comprises movement lawyers who consider themselves
accountable to Palestinian civil society. In that sense, we view the law
in a pragmatic way and are very aware of the fact that it can be used
as an exploitative and even oppressive tool. But we also see law as a
tool to both push back against repression and one that can mobilize
people. The ELSC has three pillars that define our work: defense,
monitoring, and empowerment. The defense pillar works as a filter
between clients and lawyers, where we offer co-counseling and expertise
to defend those facing repression. The monitoring pillar involves
keeping a record of the mechanisms used to silence advocates and the
criminalization of Palestine solidarity work, not only for archival
purposes but also to track trends of repression. The empowerment pillar
involves working on campaigns of strategic litigation, such as holding
companies accountable for human rights violations, and strengthening the
Palestine solidarity movement.</span></p>
<h3><b>Diala Shamas</b></h3>
<p><span>Since the outset of the assault on Gaza, we have been in rapid
response mode. It's very hard to strike the right balance of focusing on
repression and making sure that people are protected as they speak out
and also not losing the focus on what's happening in Gaza and throughout
Palestine. In that regard, we have been really attentive to trying to
offer language and legal analysis about what the Israeli regime is doing
to the Palestinian people in Gaza. Not only have we reaffirmed that the
Israeli regime’s current assault </span><a href="https://ccrjustice.org/israel-s-unfolding-crime-genocide-palestinian-people-us-failure-prevent-and-complicity-genocide"><span>constitutes genocide</span></a><span>, but we have also laid out </span><a href="https://ccrjustice.org/home/press-center/press-releases/rights-lawyers-release-legal-analysis-us-complicity-israel-s"><span>US complicity</span></a><span> in that genocide.</span></p>
<p><span>Simultaneously, we have increased our work to support those who
are doing important advocacy in the US. For example, we have
represented individuals who have been contacted by the FBI for
questioning, and we have fielded calls from people across the country
who are dealing with consequences in their workplaces for speaking out
against the genocide in Gaza. Relatedly, Palestine Legal has been
building a network of attorneys, largely with a focus on experts in
employment law, to help respond to these calls. We have also been
increasing our capacity to advise individuals facing doxxing attacks,
both in terms of personal safety as well as online reputation.</span></p>
<p><span>What has been really great to see is so many people within the legal community reach out and ask how they can support.</span></p>
<h2><span id="gmail-What_advice_would_you_give_organizers_at_the_moment%E2%80%94particularly_those_who_might_be_feeling_apprehensive_or_fearful_in_light_of_this_repression"></span><b><i>What
advice would you give organizers at the moment—particularly those who
might be feeling apprehensive or fearful in light of this repression?</i></b><span></span></h2>
<h3><b>Layla Kattermann</b></h3>
<p><span>It is important that both individuals and the movement as a
whole are not intimidated into silence or inaction. The allegations and
accusations that politicians and the mainstream media use against the
Palestine solidarity movement are nothing new. I think we should
therefore be confident enough in countering and challenging them. It’s
also important to remember that we are stronger in numbers, as
demonstrated in Berlin, where the masses defied the police prohibition
on protests. Of course, the authorities can still resort to violence,
but it’s important in these moments that people stick together.</span></p>
<p><span>Now more than ever is the time to speak up and out against what
is happening. Not only is there a moral imperative in doing so, but it
will also enable you to connect with other like-minded people and
organize together. Smear and doxing campaigns usually aim to isolate a
person from support networks and wider society. Indeed, it is always
easier to attack one person rather than a group. Therefore, strength in
numbers when it comes to defying the current repression cannot be
underestimated.</span></p>
<h3><b>Diala Shamas</b></h3>
<p><span>We must remind ourselves that, while we’re seeing an
unprecedented scale in repression, we're also witnessing an
unprecedented amount of solidarity and people speaking out against
what's happening to Palestinians in Gaza. The rise in repression is, in
fact, in direct correlation with the growing Palestine solidarity
movement. In this moment, we cannot stop speaking out and opposing
genocide. </span></p>
<p><span>With this in mind, it’s also important to be cautious. We are
all really angry and outraged at what we are seeing and experiencing. We
have seen some of the most horrific images and videos coming out of
Gaza, and the sense of abandonment coupled with feelings of both rage
and sadness is overwhelming. In this climate, it is really difficult to
remain clear-headed and rational. This is when we see lapses in judgment
that are sometimes exploited by the other side. Yet as Palestinians and
as advocates for Palestinian rights, we cannot afford the luxury of a
lapse in judgment because it results in our energies and attention being
diverted.</span></p>
<p><span>If one finds themselves in a situation where they are facing
repression, it is imperative to know your rights. In the US, if you are
approached by any authorities for an interview, you are entitled to
decline and refer them to your lawyer. Alternatively, you can take their
number and have your lawyer reach out to them. For legal
representation, you can contact Palestine Legal, the Center for
Constitutional Rights, your local </span><a href="https://www.nlg.org/chapters/"><span>National Lawyers Guild chapter</span></a><span>, your local </span><a href="https://www.cair.com/about_cair/cair-chapters/"><span>CAIR chapter</span></a><span>, or your local </span><a href="https://www.aclu.org/affiliates"><span>ACLU affiliate</span></a><span>.</span></p>
<p><span><span><span><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fow.ly%2FAHVx50Qi0A7&text=We%20must%20remind%20ourselves%20that%2C%20while%20we%E2%80%99re%20seeing%20an%20unprecedented%20scale%20in%20repression%2C%20we%27re%20also%20witnessing%20an%20unprecedented%20amount%20of%20solidarity&via=AlShabaka&related=AlShabaka" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">We
must remind ourselves that, while we’re seeing an unprecedented scale
in repression, we're also witnessing an unprecedented amount of
solidarity </a></span><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fow.ly%2FAHVx50Qi0A7&text=We%20must%20remind%20ourselves%20that%2C%20while%20we%E2%80%99re%20seeing%20an%20unprecedented%20scale%20in%20repression%2C%20we%27re%20also%20witnessing%20an%20unprecedented%20amount%20of%20solidarity&via=AlShabaka&related=AlShabaka" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Click To Tweet</a></span></span></p>
<p><span>If you are called into a meeting with your employer or your
university administration, try to get a legal consult before going into
that meeting, or don't go in alone. It is also important to document
everything. This can be in the form of notes or self-written emails,
with timestamps of events as they occur. It might also make sense to try
to be preemptive and reach out to your employer or your university
administration to let them know what is happening and make sure that
they are hearing from you first and not from those who are trying to
smear you. Importantly, remember you're not alone—if you can and are
confident, speak out about the repression so that you can find
solidarity with others and vice versa.</span></p>
<p><span>Over the years, we’ve gone back and forth on the question of
whether we want to talk openly about how difficult it is to speak about
Palestinian rights, because we don't want to discourage folks from doing
it. However, we are well past this point—everybody knows that this kind
of repression is happening—so we now feel that speaking out actually
draws support and solidarity and can also build on political organizing.
We've seen really inspirational instances of activists coming together
to support each other, as well as professionals offering support to
colleagues to find alternative employment when someone's employment has
been terminated. This kind of solidarity is a really important way to
build resilience in these moments of heightened repression.</span></p>
<h2><span id="gmail-Which_legal_resources_would_you_suggest_for_people_navigating_this_repression"></span><b><i>Which legal resources would you suggest for people navigating this repression?</i></b><span></span></h2>
<h3><b>Layla Kattermann</b></h3>
<p><span>We have several resources available on the ELSC website that
are also country-specific and are aimed at educating people on their
rights, because much of the current repression is unconstitutional and
unlawful. Certainly, in many countries across Europe, the police are
exercising unlawful conduct. In those situations, it's always useful to
record the police, to register the officer and unit number, and to make
the abuse or conduct publicly known. As Diala said, one shouldn't deal
with such repression alone. From our experience, once publicized, people
usually reach out and offer support. Indeed, at the moment, we are
seeing people really helping each other and standing in solidarity with
one another against this pushback.</span></p>
<p><span>If you are in Europe, you can report to the ELSC. There are
also a lot of collectives of lawyers at the moment that are actively
helping the Palestine solidarity movement.</span></p>
<h3><b>Diala Shamas</b></h3>
<p><span>People in the solidarity movement across the US should familiarize themselves with Palestine Legal's website. It has a </span><a href="https://palestinelegal.org/news/2023/10/12/resources-for-advocating-for-palestine-across-us"><span>range of resources</span></a><span>,
including on how to navigate doxxing and hostile environments on
university campuses. If someone is struggling with something
specifically regarding state repression, whether it's federal or local
law enforcement, there are a range of organizations that can support
you. The organizations I mentioned previously may be able to also refer
you.</span></p>
<p><span>I'd also be remiss to not mention the importance of taking care
of yourself—to breathe and remember that you have a community, because
these small things allow us to continue our work. These are really,
really difficult times. We are all feeling it. But we don't have a
choice other than to continue speaking out. Indeed, the consequences
might be difficult for us here in the US or Europe, but the conditions
are far worse for the people in Gaza, as well as for those in the rest
of colonized Palestine.</span></p>
<ol><li><span id="easy-footnote-bottom-1-19103"></span><span>This
interview is not a substitute for legal advice. Please pursue guidance
from legal counsel should you have questions pertaining to a specific
case or incident.</span><span><a></a></span></li></ol>
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<div id="gmail-qtip-0" role="alert" aria-describedby="qtip-0-content" aria-hidden="true"><span>This
interview is not a substitute for legal advice. Please pursue guidance
from legal counsel should you have questions pertaining to a specific
case or incident.</span><span></span></div></div></div>
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