The Black Lives Matter Global Network has issued a statement in support of those suffering from violence and abuse in Palestine. The organization expressed their support via a series of tweets on Wednesday afternoon.
“Black Lives Matter stands in solidarity with Palestinians,” the organization tweeted.
"We are a movement committed to ending settler colonialism in all forms and will continue to advocate for Palestinian liberation. [We] always have and always will be."
Black Lives Matter immediately earned the approval of a number of different organizations. Most notably, the Palestine BDS National Committee replied to their initial tweet by thanking the organizations for its public support.
“From Ferguson to Palestine, our struggles against racism, white supremacy and for a just world are united," the BDS Movement replied.
Black Lives Matter issues its statement as thousands of people across the country join protests across the country offering vocal support for those enduring violence in Palestine. Cities like San Francisco, Cincinnati, Sacramento and Tampa have all issued statements of support. Adding on, local Black Lives Matter organizations have also issued statements similar to the one put forth by the global network.
"Black Lives Matter Paterson condemns the ongoing violence against Palestinians in East Jerusalem by the state of Israel and stands in solidarity with those fighting occupation. We as an organization believe in the freedom to worship and a life free from fear of expulsion and violence," Black Lives Matter Paterson added.
Continuing to show support, Marc Lamont Hill of the Black News Channel delivered a passionate monologue calling for Black Americans to openly support those in Palestine. Hill argues that the systems of oppression at place in Israel and Palestine impact systems of discrimination around the world.
"I'm going to give you a couple of quick reasons why you should [care about what's going on in Israel and Palestine]. [Here is] reason number one. As Black Americans, we are taxpayers. As long as the United States continues to [supply] Israel with up to $4 billion in funding for their military, supply them with weapons and help them sustain what's going on over there, we are responsible. Black Americans are not only responsible, but all Americans are responsible," he said.
"This is also a fundamental question about justice. We have a duty to do the right thing. Black folk have always been on the right side of history. Black folk have always been the conscience of this nation. That's why we said what's happening in South Africa is wrong. Black folks were struggling. We were getting beaten by police, we were getting shot by police and we were getting killed by Reaganomics, but we still continued to side with South Africa. Why? Because we needed to be on the right side of history."
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