“We are controlled. Our education is controlled. Our border is controlled. … In the West Bank, they are controlling everything. They don’t need to bomb us because they’re controlling us.” –Mohammad Shraim, Bosnian-Palestinian activist

Palestinian activist Mohammad Shraim spoke to members of Young WILPF US from his home in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina on Sept. 28. During his talk, Mohammad addressed the genocide in Gaza within the broader context of the violent Israeli occupation. He discussed the future of peace and human rights in the region and what American allies can do to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Mohammad provided crucial historical context needed to understand the current crisis in Gaza and shared his personal experiences of life for Palestinians under Israeli occupation. He covered the long history of Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities that existed before the creation of Israel, the reasons behind Palestinian resistance, the differences in governance and daily life between Gaza and the West Bank, the effects of Islamophobic propaganda on Western perceptions of the region, the impact of international recognition of a Palestinian state, and more.

For Mohammad, it is vital for American allies to put pressure on their elected representatives to stop the genocide in Palestine, participate in local protests, and stay informed about the situation. He also encouraged Young WILPF members to educate themselves on the history of Palestine, recommending books such as Claudia Sonino’s German Jews in Palestine, 1920-1948: Between Dream and Reality.

Watch this video excerpt from the meeting to hear Mohammad discuss his experiences growing up in Palestine. Stay tuned for more updates from Young WILPF US!