Like many across the world, the events in Palestine - Israel that have recently been taking place have angered, saddened, and activated us once again to call for justice and freedom. There are many voices that need to be elevated above the team at Hurdle right now, but we felt it necessary to speak out.
Many of you have reached out to ask how Sami, Mohammad, Jehad and the others who filled our screens and hearts are doing amidst the current challenges. We thank you for reaching out and we are in touch with them. Though things can change minute-to-minute, they are currently well. Jehad told us, “Yeah man, we are strong.”
It is heartening to us that you are asking about the characters from the film. This was our intent all along - that when, once again, Palestine and Israel fill the news and headlines skew toward narratives or paint limited pictures, that you remember there are real people like Sami, Mohammad, Jehad who are facing this in a real and physical way.
In addition, you may recall similar images from our film as what you’re witnessing in the news. What this should tell you is that though this is an escalation, it is not uncommon in daily life for Palestinians to face such injustices for the past 72 years under a system of oppression and apartheid.
We would like to point you to this article, which paints an important, detailed and comprehensive look at what is happening in this moment. It is important to be informed and then activate.
Please take the time to read this: https://www.972mag.com/palestinian-protests-unity-jerusalem/?fbclid=IwAR032nWH359jYEIkMk1GxV2Vg90bcT3DzLavD58yIQlshfNBPlI3r3K_rN4
For additional education visit:
https://imeu.org/
https://bdsmovement.net/what-is-bds
https://www.972mag.com/
https://www.freedomfuture.org/takeaction
To reach out to your elected officials and make your voices heard, demanding the US stop funding Israel defensively and hold them accountable for human rights abuses and war crimes, visit:
https://secure.everyaction.com/1bUDFJrq_kWz5sjKEeyoPQ2
To donate to Palestinian organizations in need of your financial support, visit:
https://www.lajee.ps/index.php/donate
https://www.map.org.uk/ways-to-give/ways-to-give