London, 2nd May 2015
Infita7 is a website dedicated to the nuances of the Middle East, however in the face of oppression, we feel it is imperative to address the complexities present and express our solidarity. Events in Baltimore (like those which came before) exhibit the very worst kind of structural and systemic violence towards an oppressed group. Palestine sits firmly at the heart of this project and it is inevitable, therefore, that we draw stark parallels between the two situations. Not least because there has been overt support from Palestine as part of the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Let this be seen as a statement of our support. There are only so many ways a human can be silenced, but there is strength in numbers and strength in solidarity. We hope to stand side by side these suffocating people, from Palestine to Baltimore and everywhere in-between.
Our contributor, Salahuddin Ahmed Mazhary, adds his thoughts:
‘I’d like to share an old saying from Urdu-speaking regions across Pakistan and India regarding injustice and oppression, related to me by an unnamed elder :
« When you are strangling someone, do not ask why their eyes are popping out ».
Reflect on this deeply. With this understanding, now put yourselves in the shoes of the oppressed, voiceless and marginalised. America has been strangling African American for over 400 years. With this in mind, then why then we do we turn around and ask ourselves why the latter’s eyes are popping out? Let’s wake up to reality. The system has an insatiable, irrepressible blood lust for black lives. The oppressed worldwide have been strangled for too long, their eyes are now popping out. Agree or disagree with the measures they take to be heard, realise they express themselves in a way that clearly demonstrates that they have been long ignored and suffocated.
They long to breathe (an intended reference to Eric Garner).’
Rasmea Odeh supports #blackLivesmatter
from Ramallah to Baltimore
A protestor is arrested wearing a Palestine Tshirt
Activist @Akhenaten15 tweets about his journey of oppression
