From an Israeli prison, Khalida Jarrar salutes feminists struggling for justice the world over

This is the third time that my mother celebrates International Women’s Day in Israel’s Apartheid prisons. Mom was first arrested at an International Women’s Day rally in 1989 when I was only 3-yrs old. On March 8th, 2016, mom was serving a 15-month arbitrary sentence for being a feminist, parliamentarian, and political leader. Today, mom celebrates International Women’s Day along with 62 women and girls in Israeli prisons.

Mom’s role inside prison is critical. She is a mentor and an educator to 8 minor detainees, who are deprived of their right to education in a direct violation of international laws. Mom is preparing these young women to write their official high school exams from inside prison.

On this day in 2016, mom sent the following statement from the same prison that she is now detained at without charges or trial:

“On this day, we affirm that as Palestinian prisoners, we are part of a larger struggle for women’s liberation. The struggle will continue until we gain our freedom from occupation, and our freedom as women from all forms of injustices, oppression, violence, and discrimination. On this day, Palestinian women mark this occasion in light of the crimes of the occupation against Palestinian women, children, elders, and youth. This year, and from inside prison, we call for the freedom and self-determination of our people and of Palestinian women. We emphasize that in order to achieve equality and liberation, all forms of oppression and injustices must end. We stand as part of a global struggle with all other women freedom fighters around the world who are fighting against injustice, exploitation, and oppression.”

Yafa Jarrar posted this  statement on her Facebook page on International Women’s Day, March 8. Khalida Jarrar is detained in a prison in central Israel. Her daughter gave us permission to republish. –Editor.

Source Article from http://mondoweiss.net/2018/03/israeli-feminists-struggling/

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