For several years, an Israeli direct action group named Anarchists Against the Wall (AAtW) has participated in the Palestinian-led joint struggle against the so-called “separation barrier” in the occupied West Bank – a racist segregation wall created in violation of international law, which cuts Palestinians off from their lands and may well prevent any remaining chance of Palestinian self determination. AAtW activists have destroyed parts of the wall, forced open gates in the wall and removed roadblocks. They marched together with Palestinians to their lands and stood in front of bulldozers with farmers whose olive trees were threatened. Their contribution to the struggle has been recognized by all those involved.

The group's work has also been recognized by the Israeli authorities which have rewarded it with violent repression, hundreds of arrests and about 40 indictments. Although to a lesser extent than Palestinians, they have also been shot at, tear gassed, beaten with batons and injured. The legal costs of defending against these charges are around $20,000 and counting. AAtW is now seeking the support of communities and organizations in Europe for its legal fund in order to fight back against the legal persecution and continue its part in the fight against the wall.

Sarah Assouline and Saif Abukeshek are an Israeli and a Palestinian who have dedicated themselves to the popular struggle against the Israeli separation barrier (the wall). They are speaking together as partners in this struggle and in the larger struggle against Palestinian dispossession. They are touring Europe to raise awareness and much needed funds to sustain their campaign. They would like to meet people interested in supporting grassroots activism between Israeli and Palestinian people.

26.9 – Manchester (1)
Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount Street
(During PSC and War on Want public meeting)
Lunchtime

26.9 – Manchester (2)
Green Room, 54-56 Whitworth Street West
(Between book readings by Tariq Mahmood)
6 pm

Saif Abukeshek
Born in 1981 in the occupied West Bank. He started working with children and young peoples programs in 1996. In 2000 was shot in the chin by the Israeli military during a protest in Ramallah, and following his recovery, started working with children who are traumatized by the occupation. In 2002 Saif joined the international solidarity movement (ISM) and since then has been one of the Palestinian coordinators for the movement and a trainer for non-violent direct action. Since he started working with the ISM, Saif was arrested three times, detained several times, hassled and interrogated each time he traveled to or from Palestine. Saif did several speaking tours around Europe and to Australia trying to increase the awareness of the Palestinian struggle and the illegality and the brutality of the Israeli occupation.

Sarah Assouline
Born in Canada and immigrated to Israel 5 years ago. Her involvement in the struggle for Palestinian self determination developed along with a disillusionment from her previous image of Israel and its army. In addition to taking part in demonstrations almost every week, Sarah has been working almost every day to support the popular struggle. She is an organizer for AATW and a fund raiser for several projects. She does legal support for people arrested at demonstrations and adopts stray dogs. Sarah is also the assistant producer of the award winning film “Bil'in Habibti” which depicts the struggle at the village of Bil'in.