In Euskal Herria (Basque Country), as in other countries worldwide, many demonstrations have been held in solidarity with Palestine. In addition to the number of people who have taken part in these demonstrations (there have been demonstrations in more than 30 cities and towns in Basque Country with more than 30,000 people), there are other remarkable aspects to this growing Palestine Solidarity movement:
- In most of the demonstrations denouncing the Israeli massacre of Palestinians in Gaza, the most repeated message has been that boycotting Israel is the best way to work in solidarity with Palestine.
- Several social movements, organizations and civil society institutions have worked together. Arabic and Muslim communities were present at all the demonstrations. So, an important link has been made between these communities and groups working for the national and social liberation of Basque Country.
- Families and friends of Basque political prisoners have shown solidarity with Palestine in their annual demonstration in Bilbao at the beginning of January (38,000 people).
- More than 10 municipalities have approved statements to break all the links with Israel.
- All trade unions in Southern Basque Country took part in a demonstration in Bilbao demanding the boycott of Israel. They demanded that the Municipality of Bilbao break down the contract that enables Veolia to manage the bus service in the city. This company is building the Zionist tramway in Jerusalem. Recently, Veolia lost a contract in Stockholm (Sweden).
- There have been many demonstrations in cities and towns throughout the Basque Country. In Bilbao, for example, there have been demonstrations in Bayonne-Baiona, Irun, San Sebastian-Donostia, Orereta, Azpeitia, Azkotia, Zestoa, Zarautz, Lasarte, Andoain, Tolosa, Altsasu, Arbizu, Barañain, Antsoain, Tafalla, Pamplona-Iruñea, Tudela, Ermua, Bermeo, Gernika, Algorta, Elexalde, Bilbao, Barakaldo, Otxandio, Trapagaran, Vitoria-Gasteiz and Agurain.
And tomorrow?
In the following months, Askapena will reinforce the boycott campaign in Basque Country. On February 25th and 26th, we will denounce Noa's concerts in Donostia-San Sebastian. We will launch and distribute a cultural boycott solidarity statement (based on the one issued by PACBI) among sports, cultural, and academic groups in Basque Country. More municipalities will support the boycott, and we will boycott any Zionist normalization event (cultural, sporting, economic, institutional, etc.) in Basque Country.
ASKAPENA (INTERNATIONALIST ORGANIZATION OF BASQUE LEFTISTS AND INDEPENDENTS)