November 2, 2023 –

Movements from across the world have launched a call for a Global Shutdown for Palestine on Thursday, November 9. Since Israel began its bombardment of Gaza—which has now killed more than 9,000 Palestinians—organizations and people have been mobilizing from within the heart of empire to demand an immediate ceasefire, an end of all aid to Israel, and a lifting of the siege on Gaza. On November 4, hundreds of thousands are expected to converge on Washington DC in what is set to be the largest mobilization in the history of the United States in support of Palestine.

While Israel continues to carry out genocidal violence against the Palestinian people, with the full financial, political, and military support of the US government, momentum on the streets and even from international bodies is overwhelmingly in support of a free Palestine and against Israel’s crimes.

Organizations such as the Palestinian Youth Movement, National Students for Justice in Palestine, ANSWER Coalition, The People’s Forum, and International Peoples’ Assembly have called for movements, trade unions, youth, students, media and healthcare workers, and all members of society to increase the pressure with more marches, walk-outs, sit-ins, strikes, and other forms of direct action directed at the political offices, businesses, and workplaces that fund, invest in, and collaborate with Israeli genocide and occupation.

“We must not wait for history to pass us by. Everyone—regardless identity or sector—must heed the calls coming from the Palestinian streets and take action against genocide. Fear will not protect us and silence will not absolve us,” said Palestinian poet and writer Mohammed el-Kurd.

“We are calling for a total anti-normalization of Zionism; we want it out of all institutions of political, social, and economic life. If Biden and Netanyahu want to ignore the voices of millions across the globe who are calling for a ceasefire and an end to the 16-year siege on Gaza, then we will make it impossible for them to ignore us. We will continue to fight until any and all material support for Zionism is made unsustainable and ends,” said Yara Shoufani, a member of the Palestinian Youth Movement.

“Every year the US essentially gives Israel a 4 billion dollar gift card to buy weapons from Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, and General Dynamics, weapons that have been used to kill the 9,000 in Gaza since October 7,” said Manolo De Los Santos, director of The People’s Forum. “The cumulative tonnage of bombs dropped on Gaza has now exceeded the tonnage in Hiroshima. It is no surprise that these companies have seen their stocks skyrocket this past month; this is unacceptable and we will end genocide profiteering!”

For more information about the Global Shutdown for Palestine and a list of the planned actions visit the website shutitdown4palestine.org.

Press inquiries: Zoe Alexandra – zoe@ipa-aip.org – +17818790200

Categories: Statements + Announcements