Free, Free Palestine!
- Art as Activism -
Illustrations & live illustrations/notes taken at events protesting the ongoing genocide in Palestine by the state of Israel. By @mori_lives_here
Thoughts from @mori_lives_here:
Western liberal “democracies,” fuelled by morally bankrupt (neo)capitalist and neo-liberal agendas, remain overtly symbiotic to industries of war and colonial expansion. The Australian government, past and present, has been complicit in, or directly responsible for, the erosion of land/human rights, both within our borders and globally.
As the Zionist project expands, we continue to witness the horrors of Israeli conquest—a state driven by supremacist ideology—erasing all those in its path. This mass murder, displacement, and land devastation are cloaked under the guise of victim hood, perpetuated by Western allies. We must oppose the war crimes being inflicted upon the people of Palestine (now also Lebanon). Equally, we must work to disrupt those countries who aid these crimes; developing and distributing weapons and resources that facilitate such violence. Not a simple task, one requiring great strategy and constant protest along with solidarity building.
We must continue protesting to send a clear message to those in positions of power in Australia—(such as: Anthony Albanese, Penny Wong, and Peter Hoj) that the public are watching, we see actions, and inaction. We reject any support for Israel’s sustained brutality.
We ask; When will it end? How many more lives must be lost, and what devastation must occur before Australia’s support is withdrawn? We fear discovering where the line will be drawn—what is priority? Ending genocide or upholding financially prosperous relationships with tyrants?
The following illustrations document public protests which have provided a crucial space to express outrage over the ongoing genocide in Palestine, amplifying the voices of Palestinians, activists, and others who protest and share insights into the impacts of Israel’s colonial conquest.
These delivering vital updates and information that allow an understanding of this crisis free from media bias or mainstream political ideologies.
While essential for grass roots movements to gather and build solidarity with the broader public, these rallies also create a place to learn, listen, and grieve—;perhaps most importantly, to build strength and hope.
All though the people of Palestine are facing unimaginable adversity, what has been apparent throughout protests is the adamant self determination and the fostering of hope from Palestinian speakers. The Palestinian spirit is alive and can not be destroyed.
Free, Free Palestine! Long Live Palestine!
On
living on colonialised Land:
I live on stolen Aboriginal Land of which sovereignty was never ceded. I pay my deepest respects to the Kaurna People, who’s Land I live on and that I tread on while attending Free Palestine rallies and events. I extend this respect to all First Nations; Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander People, Elders past and present. The impact of colonialism in Australia has evolved and remains a oppressive force, this is ever present in my thoughts while I have been participating in protests against the state of Israel.
Above: An Aboriginal Person is seen discussing their situation after being pulled from a free Palestine march on Pultney Street. A crowd immediately began to gather and chant “SAPOL are racist!” over and over, creating a disruption to planned events. SAPOL released the individual after the pressure grew. The march continued.
