FOSIS Head of Campaigns Speaks at Palestine Conference in Lewisham Islamic Centre.

Head of campaigns Oussama Mezoui gave a talk tonight at Lewisham Islamic Centre about the needed response from British Muslim to not only the Gaza crisis but larger Palestinian struggle.

The talk outlined the urgent need for activism by Muslims as both individuals and as a collective body.

Drawing on historical examples of where activism has been successful such as in America during the Vietnam war and during the civil rights struggle, he spoke about the need for the Muslim community to mobilise and take on greater responsibility in the fight against Zionism.

The talk focused on the need to lobby members of Parliament and others in the British Government. It outlined the methods and importance of campaigning for Palestine via lobbying elected representatives.

The talk also outlined the importance of lobbying against the media who have been far form objective in their coverage of the crisis. The BBC's decision to not air the DEC advert for Gaza was discussed and members of the congregation were urged to write in with their complaints.

It was very pleasing to see typically apathetic members of the community really rise to the challenge and want to become active for the Palestinian cause.

We pray that this activism and momentum continues to the months and years ahead.

Gaza – What have ISOCs been doing?

ISOCs nationwide have done a fantastic job of raising thousands of pounds for the people of Gaza. Since the beginning of the Israeli onslaught against Gaza, ISOCs have held lectures, organised Gaza charity weeks, Gaza awareness weeks and have helped occupy parts of their universities demanding an end to Zionist support.

Here are some of the initiatives undertaken by in ISOCs:

-Oxford University ISOC with the help of other societies put together a fabulous press release that was signed by over 100 prominent Oxford academics.

-Coventry University ISOC held a week long Gaza Awareness Week.

-Manchester University ISOC is so far leading the way in fundraising.

-Kings ISOC helped occupy a room in light of the King's College Council's decision to award Shimon Peres with an honorary doctorate.

-Birmingham University ISOC and Warwick University ISOC are also participating in occupations in their universities to highlight the plight of Palestinians.

For information on what you or your ISOC can do to help the cause please email head.campaigns@fosis.org.uk

FOSIS Campaigns offers support to Students taking part in Occupations

FOSIS Campaigns offers its full support to the courageous students who due to their conscious and sense of moral duty have occupied parts of their universities demanding an end to the crimes of Zionism.

To the students at SOAS, LSE, King’s College, Birmingham, Newcastle, Warwick, Sussex, Essex and Oxford, we salute you!

We pray that students nationwide will follow the example of these students, who release and honour the weight of their responsibility.

If FOSIS Campaigns can be of any help to you or your society on campus, please contact head.campaigns@fosis.org.uk

Protest Against the BBC's biased coverage of the Gaza Massacre!

BOYCOTT APARTHEID ISRAEL

With the daily massacre of Palestinians occurring before the eyes of the world, the need for a coordinated boycott has never been stronger. The boycott of Israeli products and companies supporting the colonial state is about you and other ordinary people around the world using your consumer power to help bring about an end to the oppression in Palestine. Boycotting Israel is a peaceful means of putting international pressure on the colonial state. History has shown us that Boycotts can be successful if carried out successfully. The successful boycott against South Africa was one of the key factors that led to the collapse of racist apartheid in the country.

There are of course many dimensions and facets to a boycott. During apartheid South Africa the successful boycott included everything from companies to academics. Very few of us have the power to boycott everything that provides support to apartheid Israel. Nonetheless, we all have the power to spend our money where we please. Our boycott is thus directed at all companies that continue to support the colonial occupation of Palestine.

The ‘Boycott Israeli Apartheid’ Campaign will only be as successful as you make it. Whilst it is easy for one to lose hope and underestimate his/her individual consumer power, together we can be a real force for change. Trade Unions around the world, including the UK’s biggest trade union UNISON, with its 1.4 million members, have called for a boycott of all Israeli goods.

Quite simply, companies rely on revenue from customers for profit. The fewer customers they receive, the less profit they will make. It really is that simple. These very companies we aim to boycott prop up the Israeli economy and thus fund the entities war machine. Quite simply a strong Israeli economy translates into a strong Israel. The greater the number of individuals like yourself partake in this boycott, the more effective it ill be. Christian organisations such as Christian Aid have also joined the boycott, demanding an end to trade agreements between the European Union and Israel.

In the past many have argued that partaking in the boycott is pointless, as we contribute to the Israeli economy as British taxpayers. Whilst unfortunately this is true, and provides evidence of the West’s blind and total support for their colonial offspring, it should not be an excuse for us not to do anything. Many of the companies we will target have been honoured in recognition of their key support for the Zionist State. If we can successfully campaign against the large companies then the support of smaller companies for Colonial Israel will, God Willing, dissolve.

With the daily massacre of Palestinians occurring before our very eyes, the importance of a coordinated boycott cannot be overemphasised. Next time you spend your money, THINK!