Zines & Resources to Stand in Solidarity with Palestine πβ
Posted on Patreon Oct 19, 2023
Dear Cyclista Zine Supporters,
Usually I would have made a mini zine for you this month, however, in the current state of our global collective grief for Palestine, I wanted to slow down to reflect on our movement at Cyclista Zine. I have said many times before that cycling needs be part of social change and I still stand by it, whether you believe or not, the fact is that bikes are political. Bikes are political because they challenge the status quo of car-centric transportation systems, advocating for sustainable, equitable, and community-centered mobility solutions that address environmental, social, and economic issues.
Throughout the years, this space has highlighted movements around the globe as sources of inspiration and to remind the community of the ongoing fight for access to safe mobility around the world. And because we use mobility justice and intersectional feminism as our frameworks for our advocacy, we believe that it is crucial to stand in solidarity with Palestine as it sheds light on the systemic inequalities that underlie the restrictions on Palestinian movement, highlighting the interconnectedness of struggles for justice worldwide.
Why Mobility Justice? πΆββοΈπ
Mobility justice is about recognizing that access to safe, affordable, and reliable transportation is a fundamental human right. Unfortunately, this right is often denied to marginalized communities, disproportionately impacting women, people of color, and those with disabilities. It's a system that reflects the oppressive power structures we fight against daily.
Palestine: A Struggle for Freedom π΅πΈβ
Palestine is a land where the denial of mobility is not just a matter of inconvenience; it's a tool of oppression. The Israeli occupation restricts the movement of Palestinians in countless ways, from checkpoints to the separation wall. The Gaza Strip is essentially an open-air prison, with its inhabitants facing severe restrictions on travel, trade, and access to basic services.
The Intersectional Link ππ€
So, why is this relevant to intersectional feminism? The answer lies in the interconnected nature of oppression. When we talk about mobility justice, we're addressing a broader issue of power, control, and systemic inequality. By standing in solidarity with Palestine, we are challenging not just one oppressive system but a global network of injustice.
Global Solidarity: Our feminist movement must be global in its outlook. When we support the struggles of Palestinians, we're demonstrating our commitment to justice and equity for all. We acknowledge that their struggle is linked to the larger struggle against colonialism, occupation, and oppression worldwide.
How Can We Show Solidarity? π€πΉ
1. Educate Yourself: Learn about the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its impact on mobility justice. Understanding the root causes is the first step towards effective solidarity.
2. Amplify Palestinian Voices: Share the stories and experiences of Palestinians who are often marginalized or silenced. Use your platform to amplify their voices.
3. Advocate for Change: Support organizations working towards justice in Palestine. Encourage your elected officials to take a stand against human rights violations.
4. Challenge Stereotypes: Combat stereotypes and biases that perpetuate discrimination against Palestinians and Muslims.
5. Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on developments in Palestine and show your ongoing support.
Our commitment to intersectional feminism means recognizing that justice for one is inseparable from justice for all. By standing in solidarity with Palestine, we contribute to a world where mobility is a right for everyone, regardless of their identity or location.
You may have seen it on IG, however, I put together a substantial resource guide to Palestinian zines, readings, articles and videos. From BLM, Abortion, Abolition, and Protests, we have numerous guides and zines available to equip you in our activism, you should be able to access them here on Patreon in our collections. Thank you for being part of this movement, and for your continued support in dismantling oppressive systems.
In solidarity,