Call for a Week of Action”United against Scholasticide”November 23 – 30, 2024

We stand in solidarity as educational institutions, reaffirming our commitment to resist the ongoing campaign of scholasticide in occupied Palestine. The Right to Education Campaign- Birzeit University, invites academics, students, activists, unions, solidarity groups and educational institutions worldwide to join the Right to Education Week of action: (United against Scholasticide), which will take place between November 23 – 30, 2024.

This week will be highlighted on November 29, the (International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People), as we unite our voices to resist the erasure of Palestinian education and stand in solidarity with Gaza’s universities as a response to the urgent call issued by Gaza’s universities to confront the systematic destruction of higher education institutions, to resist resist the ongoing campaign of scholasticide in occupied Palestine, and to refuse all plans seeking to bypass, erase, or weaken the integrity of the Gaza academic institutions.

Scholasticide– firstly used by Palestinian academic Karma Nabulsi during Israel’s 2009 war on Gaza—is a systematic campaign aimed at annihilating the intellectual foundations of the Palestinian people. The destruction of schools and universities, the suppression of academic freedom, and the restrictions on movement and access are all part of a calculated effort to erase Palestine’s future.

This Week of Action is more than just symbolic. It is an international movement united against the deliberate destruction of education, aiming to secure the future of higher learning in Gaza and all of Palestine.

Throughout the week, we invite universities, scholars, students, activists, advocacy groups, and individuals to organize events and activities that raise awareness of the ongoing campaign of scholasticide and support the rebuilding of Gaza’s Universities.

(If you are taking part a UK university or college, please use this alternative form >> https://forms.gle/iAXGztTSFo7aayLZA)

 Ways to Support:

1-  Solidarity running Marathons: Organize local or virtual “United against Scholasticide Marathon” in conjunction with the main event in Palestine on 29 November, that will be held in partnership with  Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Birzeit University, Birzeit University Friends Association, Higher Council for Youth and Sport/Palestine Marathon (PIM), Welfare Association (Taawon), and in coordination with Gaza universities, to end the ongoing destruction of higher education and help fundraising for Gaza’s universities, with all proceeds going to the (Isnad) initiative for rebuilding higher education in Gaza.

2- Raising awareness events:

●      Direct Actions and Stunts: Create powerful visuals that highlight the systematic –  

●     Discussions and Webinars: Host virtual conversations with Palestinian academics and students to hear firsthand about the barriers they face under occupation and amidst the unfolding genocide in Gaza.

●      Film Screenings: Show documentaries like (A Caged Bird’s Song) or (To Shoot an Elephant), which depict the struggle of Palestinians to access education amid military occupation.

3-  Support for Gaza Universities’ Emergency Committee:

●      Rebuild Demolished Universities: Contribute to efforts that rebuild Palestinian academic institutions destroyed during military assaults.

●      Reject Plans That Weaken Gazan Institutions: Stand against any measures that bypass or erode the integrity of academic institutions in Gaza.

●      Coordinate Efforts for academic freedom of Palestinian Universities: Collaborate on initiatives that work toward the academic freedom of universities and ensuring their long-term resilience and sustainability.

4- Ending Complicity in Genocide, Occupation, and Apartheid (If any) by your Higher Education Institution:

●       Support Academic and Cultural Boycotts: advocate for universities to end all ties with complicit Israeli academic institutions and to divest from companies that profit from genocide, war crimes, and the occupation of Palestine. Encourage reinvestment in ethical and sustainable alternatives that support a liberated Palestine. for more resources please contact:  pacbi@bdsmovement.net     

Together, we can rebuild. Together, we reject all attempts to weaken or bypass the existence of Palestinian higher Education.  Let us stand united amplify the voices of those fighting for the right to education in Palestine.

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