On July 9, 2004, the International Court of Justice (also known as the World Court) ruled 14-1 that Israel’s construction of an “Apartheid Wall” inside the West Bank is in violation of international law and that the wall should be torn down. The wall is over 25 feet high, and has already caused great suffering and loss for the Palestinian people
Only the U.S. representative on the court voted “no”. The U.S. State Department immediately denounced the ICJ decision as “inappropriate,” while the Israeli government announced its intention to continue building the wall.
The ICJ decision came amid a growing movement inside Palestine and internationally demanding that the wall be dismantled.
The following is an excerpt from a July 7 statement by the Free Palestine Alliance-U.S.A.
In solidarity with the ongoing Palestinian hunger strike against the Israeli Apartheid Wall, and in honor of all who are struggling against war, racism and poverty across the globe, from Iraq, to Haiti, to Afghanistan and beyond, the Free Palestine Alliance calls for a Solidarity Fast in Tents of Justice and Peace throughout the country on the following six days:
Throughout these six days, we will raise our voices high so that policy makers of the twin parties and the elected president may hear our demand for justice and dignity. Our call for a Solidarity Fast comes in full solidarity with and as part of the various events and activities planned for all these days. We call on all to join us in our fast as we pitch together Tents of Justice and Peace throughout the country, to culminate with joining the national counter-inaugural mobilization called for by the A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition in Washington, D.C. on January 20, 2005.
On these six days:
We envision Tents of Justice and Peace to be pitched in parks and other public areas during these days as homes for all those participating and supporting the Solidarity Fast. From Boston to New York to Washington DC, from coast to coast and through the heartland of the United States, we extend our hand to all those struggling for justice, and ask that we join together in 6 days of teach-ins, solidarity and mutual understanding in every neighborhood and town.
Just as we collectively transformed the Shanties of South Africa into symbols of struggle against Apartheid, our Tents will be erected to symbolize the fight against the new Apartheid—this time manifested most recently in concrete walls 25 feet high. The colonial occupation of Palestine must come to an end!
On January 20, 2005, a president for the United States will be inaugurated in a global fanfare of the powerful. Removed from the choreographed inaugural facade will be the people of the world—the very recipients of colonial violence and subjects of imperial domination. On that day and the listed days before, we call on our brothers and sisters in all communities and throughout the peace and justice movement to join us in the Solidarity Fast.
We envision us all, from across all communities, to stand together despite imposed divides to send a message in unison that ours is indeed the future!
Together, we will bring down the Apartheid Wall!
Together, we will overcome racism, poverty and war!
Yes, We Will Return!
Photo: Reem Awad Rashmawi
