Israel / Palestine

Solidarity with Israeli and Palestinian workers

Stop Israel Railways Sacking Arab Workers

Last month, Israel Railways, a state-owned company, launched a new policy denying employment to railroad crossing guards who have no permit to carry weapons - that is: who have not served in the Israeli army. This policy will lead to the lay-off of the approximately 150 Arab railway workers who monitor and maintain Israel's level crossings.

Resolution: Israel and Gaza

Stratford no.1 branch has submitted the following resolution to RMT's AGM.

This AGM condemns Israel’s military assault on Gaza in December and January.

We reaffirm our existing policy demanding Israeli withdrawal from the occupied territories and an end to Israel’s siege of Gaza.

We ask the Executive to step up its campaigning on this issue in line with current policy, and in particular wish to see RMT run an appeal in support of an appropriate trade union project in the area.

Resolution: Women in Israel and Gaza

This resolution, submitted by Camden No. 3 Branch, was passed by RMT Women's Conference 2009.

That this Conference mourns the deaths of over 1,000 Palestinians during Israel's brutal assault on Gaza in December and January, including hundreds of women and children.

While not condoning rocket attacks on Israeli civilians, or the regressive and sexist policies of Hamas, we unreservedly condemn Israel's actions in carrying out this attack, and its siege of Gaza.

Invitation: Reception for Israeli Army Refuser

Tamar Katz
RMT's London Transport Regional Council and Finsbury Park branch invite you to a Reception to meet and support Tamar Katz (pictured), Israeli army refuser.

Thursday 5 March, 7-9pm, the Twelve Pins pub, next to Finsbury Park station.

Tamar Katz is a 19-year-old Israeli who has refused to serve in the Israeli army. Israel requires all young men and women to serve in its army, and Tamar has served three prison sentences for her refusal. She explains:

Reception for Israeli army refuser

RMT's London Transport Regional Council and Finsbury Park branch invite you to a Reception to meet and support Tamar Katz, Israeli army refuser.

Thursday 5 March, 7-9pm, the Twelve Pins pub, next to Finsbury Park station.

Tamar Katz is a 19-year-old Israeli who has refused to serve in the Israeli army. Israel requires all young men and women to serve in its army, and Tamar has served three prison sentences for her refusal. She explains:

Support the Shministim

This resolution, proposed by TfL no.1 branch and seconded by Stratford no.1 branch, was passed with one abstention at the Regional Council meeting in January 2009.

This Union notes that 7 Israeli teenagers – known as Shiministim – are refusing to serve in the Israeli army because they object to Israel’s military occupation of the Palestinian territories. They are all 18 or 19 years old, have been called for military service but have refused to go and are now in prison.

TUC Spokesperson Addresses Demonstration Against Israel's War on Gaza

Speech to London Gaza Demonstration Sally Hunt, TUC international spokesperson

10 January 2009

The trade union movement unreservedly condemns this illegal war on the people of Gaza. We join the United Nations in calling for an immediate ceasefire.

Our government and the EU must pressure Israel and Hamas to end this war. No more bombs, no more murder, no more excuses.

The TUC - and the six and a half million workers we represent - demand that our government and the EU takes the action needed to force an end to the terror. They have the power. We urge them to find the will.

This Week's Protests Against Invasion of Gaza

EMERGENCY DEMONSTRATION SUNDAY 4 JANUARY 2.00 PM ISRAELI EMBASSY, KENSINGTON HIGH STREET Following Israel's ground invasion, an emergency demonstration has been called for Sunday, 4th January at 2.00 pm. (Nearest tube High Street Kensington).

DAILY PROTESTS AT THE ISRAELI EMBASSY There will be daily protests at the Israeli Embassy from Monday 5 January to Friday 9 January, at 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm.

NATIONAL DEMONSTRATION: SATUDAY 10 JANUARY The national demonstration on Saturday 10 January is planned to march to the Israeli Embassy.