New Year’s message – with a free gift !

Today, on the last day of 2011, many people are reminiscing about the year that has gone by, and expressing their hopes and expectations for the year that is about to start. It is no surprise to any of those who follow the Musical Intifada , that for us, the focus is on Palestine.

This New Year message will be kept short and sweet. 2011 was a tough year for Palestine; while the attention of the public, media and politicians was drawn away from the Palestinian struggle by the events of what has become widely known as the “Arab Spring”, the Israeli onslaught upon Palestinian rights and livelihoods continued unabated. There are many independent media outlets which cover these atrocities in detail; the Occupied Palestine website, the Palestine Chronicle and the Electronic Intifada come highly recommended for those who need more information on these issues.

Read on – there is a free gift for you at the end!

The Palestinian statehood bid in the United Nations – unsuccessful so far – caused many Palestinians worldwide to worry about how recognition of a Palestinian state not in historical Palestine, but only in the 1967 Occupied Territories would affect the Right of Return, an issue that lies at the core of the Palestinian struggle.

The Musical Intifada reiterates its commitment to the inalienable Right of Return for the Palestinians. Any infringement upon this right, no matter who undertakes it, is considered an act of Zionism, and will be opposed by all available means.

Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS)

Another issue that deserves the special attention of our efforts is Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions, known as BDS. We believe that international pressure upon the illegal Zionist state of ‘Israel’ is one of the most essential tools needed to achieve a positive change. In our perception, BDS is not only an economical principle, but encompasses all dealings with the Zionist state including cultural, academic, and social. We fully embrace the principles that are outlined by PACBI, and we will continue to support all their efforts.

Anti-normalization

In our view, BDS is not complete without a fierce campaign aimed at opposing normalization. True, many artists have been cancelling concerts in Tel Aviv, but we have also seen the arrogance with which Zahra Hindi and other artists dismissed the requests from human rights organizations to refrain from performing for Zionist audiences (read an example here). Anti-normalization for us is a core issue, and we will continue to invest energy and effort into it. To us, Israel-apologists like Mona El Tahawy and Ray Hanania are legitimate targets of our scorn and denunciation. We believe that these people should be opposed until they understand that selling out on issues of justice is not an honorable thing to do, and increases opportunities for Zionist aggression against the Palestinian people. We hope that 2012 will shake the consciences of these normalizers, and make them utilize their clout for the cause of justice, instead of sucking up to oppressors.

Support of struggle

We believe special attention should be given to those who resist injustice, wherever in the world they are. We stand with the people of the Arab world in their quest for freedom and justice. We stand with the Palestinians of Gaza and their struggle against the illegal siege. We stand with the protestors in Nabi Saleh, Ni’lin, Bil’in, Walaja and other towns in the West Bank of Palestine that resist so bravely against the expropriation of their land. We commemorate Mustafa Tamimi, a brave non-violent protestor who was martyred by the sheer sadistic murderous violence of the Israeli Army. We stand with the international activists who put their lives on the line in Flotillas, convoys, olive tree planting activities and other acts of support for the Palestinian people. We stand with all those who stand for a Free Palestine, and the music of Doc Jazz is for all of you.

… and a free song !

We stand for the Right of Return of all Palestinians to their homeland, wherever they are. You may  have seen the release of the new Doc Jazz song “Right of Return” on Youtube. Today, on New Years Eve, is the day of its release on mp3. For the duration of a week or so, it will be available as a completely free download from the Soundclick site.

CLICK HERE AND DOWNLOAD “RIGHT OF RETURN” !

Wishing you a lovely and wonderful 2012 – may the chains of oppression be broken !

Doc Jazz