Japanese-Palestinian rapper raises awareness about Israeli occupation
Danny Jin is the grandchild of a Palestinian who survived the 1948 killing and forced displacement of hundreds of thousands by Israeli forces in the events that culminated in the establishment of the State of Israel.
Now he raps to raise awareness about the Palestinian cause in Japan.
This Japanese-Palestinian rapper is the grandchild of a Nakba survivor. @DANNYJIN uses his music to raise awareness in Japan about Israel’s occupation of Palestine. pic.twitter.com/bIYLRq2F9G
— AJ+ (@ajplus) September 8, 2024
Are restrictions on pro-Palestine speech ‘the new McCarthyism?’
Is there an attempt to chill debate on Palestine and Israel on both sides of the Atlantic?
The US, and the West in general, are in a “dire period” of repression of speech on Palestinian freedom or criticism of Israel, argues Dima Khalidi, founder of Palestine Legal.
Khalidi tells host Steve Clemons that despite strong constitutional protections for free expression, “there seems to be this exception when it comes to Palestine”, as witnessed by the wave of censorship, intimidation, firings and restrictions on activism in the wake of Israel’s war on Gaza.
The situation is similar across Europe, says British journalist Richard Medhurst, who’s been covering Gaza closely and was arrested for “speech crimes” upon arrival in London recently.
Upcoming defence expo in Australia disrupted by demonstrators
Pro-Palestinian antiwar activists have held protests in Melbourne disrupting a defence expo that is set to open on Wednesday.
Protesters gathered in front of companies connected to weapons manufacturing across Melbourne as police were called to prevent an escalation of the events, according to 7News Melbourne.
Police presence was visible in front of company buildings.
Demonstrations are expected to move across the city to different areas ahead of the Land Forces military expo, where more than 25,000 participants are expected.
On Sunday, Extinction Rebellion activists blocked Montague Street near the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre where the expo is being held. Pro-Palestinian protesters in Australia have been urging the government to impose sanctions on Israel for its war on Gaza.
Why is Extinction Rebellion protesting in solidarity with Gaza?
Formed in 2018, Extinction Rebellion has gained notoriety by employing disruptive tactics targeting roads and airports to denounce the extraction and burning of fossil fuels.
However, since the war on Gaza, they have taken a strong position on the fighting and have called for an immediate ceasefire.
“If we believe in climate and ecological justice, we must seek justice in all forms. The climate and ecological emergency has roots in centuries of colonial violence, exploitation and oppression,” the UK-based group said in a statement in November.
Not to forget the impact on climate change from ongoing wars. Militaries already represent 5.5% of global emissions and Gaza is at another level
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/09/emissions-gaza-israel-hamas-war-climate-change
