Past Events

A list of featured past events organised or supported by Leeds PSC.

Leeds Festival Alternative Report (August 30)

Leeds PSC attended the Sunday finale of the Leeds Music Festival, focusing on LCD Soundsystem and The Drums who are currently billed to play the Heineken Music Conference in Tel Aviv. We distributed the current list of bands planning to play Israel this year to inform fans of who is breaking the boycott. Banners on the approach to the artists entrance asked bands to reconsider playing in Israel. We also took the opportunity to display some of Carlos Latuff’s latest work which we had the pleasure of revealing last week, the start of a Heineken boycott. A number of press and fans were already aware of the cultural boycott and the wallofsilence campaign. The next planned protest will be in BINGLEY Sat 4/9 to welcome back Lydon & PIL from Tel Aviv. Read more here.#

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Leeds PSC at Hyde Park Unity Day Festival, August 21

Leeds PSC had a day out in Hyde Park on Saturday August 21st with a stall at the annual Unity Day event. The group had many discussions with people looking for more information about the Palestinian situation, and also distributed a lot of leaflets and flyers from the stall and around the festival.  Several people signed up to the Leeds PSC newsletters, and many bought Zaytoun Palestinian produce as well as badges and t-shirts. Read more here.

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John Lydon & PIL Protest in Leeds, July 23

PSC groups protested outside of Leeds Academy to raise awareness amongst gig goers. There was a great turn out, heat is on him all over the UK now. Next stop Liverpool Saturday & Glasgow Sunday; Ask Johhny NOT to play in Israel 31/8 via sfs@johnlydon.com / (agent ) adam.cotton@outside-org.co.uk & info@pilofficial.com. Oh and do mention fellow musician pals have now seen the light.

Leeds PSC at Kirkstall Festival, 10 July

Leeds PSC had another sucessfull stall on the 10th of July at Kirkstall Festival. This was after our boycott protst at Kirktall morrison in the morning. On the stall we sold lots of Zaytoun Palestinina produce and Leeds PSC T-shirts. Many festival goers came to our stall asking for more information and leaflets. Many choosing to sign up to our newsletters.

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Public Talk by Flotilla Witness in Leeds on 24 June

From Los Angeles to Kuala Lumpar, from Paris to Melbourne, from Istanbul to Dublin, from Cairo to Barcelona, on 5 June the world protested against Israel’s flotilla massacre, including 20,000 in London and 5,000 in Edinburgh. In Leeds hundreds of people took to the streets.

Come and Hear an eyewitness account of the attack on the Gaza Aid Flotilla and discuss what we can do to end the siege of Gaza and bring justice and peace to Palestine. Food for Sale as a Fundraiser Proceeds to Aid for Gaza Leeds PSC and LCAW. Organised by Leeds PSC and Leeds Coalition Against War. Speakers Include: Muhammad Bhaiyat eyewitness who was on the Mavi Marmara Invited: Local Trade Unionist and politician Venue : Bangladeshi Centre, Roundhay Road LEEDS LS8 5AN Read more here

Leeds International Olof Palme Memorial Peace Lecture 2010, 17th June

Victoria Brittain: At Leeds Civic Hall Thursday 17th June 2010. Speaking on ‘Lies, Truth and Whistleblowers in war reporting’ – from her work in Vietnam, Somalia, Angola, Congo, Uganda and Sudan.

Leeds PSC had a stall distributing information on our campaigns, boycott leaflets, factsheets, letters to politicians.

Biography: Victoria Brittain has lived and worked as a journalist in Saigon, Washington, Algiers, Nairobi, Luanda, Washington and London. She worked for many years at The Guardian, and has also worked for The Times, ITN, Le Monde Diplomatique, Afrique/Asie, and contributed to many publications in the UK, France and US. Since leaving the Guardian, where she was Associate Foreign Editor, she has been a consultant to the UN on issues of the impact of war on women, and been at the London School of Economics as a Research Associate. She has written several books on Africa, two plays about Guantanamo Bay, and is co-author of Moazzam Begg’s Guantanamo memoir, Enemy Combatant. She is on the board of the Institute of Race Relations, Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Widows Rights International, and the Amiet Trust.

Leeds PSC at Beeston Festival, 12th June

The aim of the festival is to provide an exciting, entertaining and informative day that brings together all the different communities in Beeston. The festival has become a major community event for the area, thanks to the hard work of many people. It aims to provide something for everyone. Those who attend can: Get information from the council and other organisations, Find out about major issues affecting Beeston, Speak to or get involved with community groups, Or simply come, have some food and enjoy the entertainment.

Leeds PSC had a successful stall, nearly selling out on all the stocks! Passers by were give information and leaflets and engaged in discussion about the situation in Palestine. The message of Boycott, Divestment and Sanction was explained to the public as a way they can help the Palestinian. We even took the opportunity to speak to local MP Hillary Benn.

Ed Miliband in Leeds, 10th June

Ed Miliband spoke to Leeds residents in the cafe area at West Yorkshire Playhouse today about this Leadership campaign. Here is an account of a question asked:

I went to see Ed Miliband speaking at a leadership campaign meeting last night (it was open to non-members). There are loads of questions I could ask politicians, but decided to try and ask him about Palestine, if I had a chance. I had my hand up every time they took questions, for 45 minutes, and I was finally chosen for the last question (of about 20).

I thought it might be useful to let other people know what he said. I asked him: “What do you personally think about what happened to the people on the aid flotilla to Gaza. What, if anything, do you think the UK, and the international community, should do about it?” Read more here

Peaceful Protests in Leeds City on Friday 4th & Saturday 5th June

People from all over the city gathered in support of the Palestinian people and the Gaza Flotilla. Ordinary people spoke about the Israeli government’s aggression in international waters against the humanitarian convoy to Gaza. ‘Leeds Coalition against War’ and ‘Leeds Palestine Solidarity Campaign’ spoke about what people can do to voice their support for the Palestinian people such as political lobbying, ‘Boycott Divestment and Sanction’ and spreading the message to others about the plight of the Palestinian people. People from various backgrounds (Palestinian, South American, Jewish, Muslim, Socialist, Trade Union, Ordinary Citizens) took to the steps and voiced their concerns about the continuing injustice on the Palestinian people.

See photos and video here

See Guardian Leeds article here

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May 15th Nakba Day

Nakba Day (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakba_Day) – meaning  day of the catastrophe, this is an annual day of commemoration for the palestinian people of the anniversary of the creation of Israel , held annually the day after the anniversary of Israel’s Independence  Day, according to the Gregorian calendar. For Palestinians, the day marks  the expulsion & flight of Palestinians from their towns and villages in the face of  jewish and later Israeli troop advances, their defeat in the 1948 wars &  displacement from Palestine and the loss of their property.

Campaigners in Leeds and across the region took part in coordinated cultural and campaigning event to better recognise this important date.

Kairos Palestine: Sun 16th May

May 15/16 was the anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba (catastrophe) and the founding of the State of Israel in 1948. Naim Ateek, the founder and director of Sabeel, Jerusalem, was invited to speak about the Kairos document, which was produced by a group of Christian Church leaders in December 2009. After preaching at Bradford Cathedral in the morning, and visiting the Thornbury Mosque, he spoke to concerned listeners at the Thornbury centre in the afternoon.

Palestinian Christians, he said, declare that the military occupation of the land is a sin against God and humanity and those who live there must liberate it from injustice and war, to become a land of reconciliation, peace and love. Read more here

Criminalising Dissent: Defend the Right to Protest against War Crimes, Fri 14 May

We are seeing an increase in state repression with the criminalisation of the right to protest but also increased surveillance and demonization of legitimate protesters engaged in fighting for justice. Several eminent speakers will be discussing recent cases where those protesting against Israeli war crimes have been criminalised and imprisonment.

Mick Napier was one of the activists who interrupted a concert by the Israeli state-sponsored “Jerusalem Quartet”, shouting anti-Israeli slogans like “End the Occupation”, “End the siege of Gaza”, “Stop War Crimes in Palestine”. For this, five Scottish PSC members faced accusations of “racially aggravated conduct”.

During the Gaza bombing last year thousands of people gathered at the Israeli Embassy in London to demand justice and protest their own complicity in the massacre. Up to 8 months after the demonstrations police arrested 119 people, many during shocking dawn raids, which included the handcuffing of entire families, and the seizing of phones and computers. Read more here and see the short video

Food, Film and Talk Night, 26th April

We had around 25 people attend this successful event held at Fairuz Restaurant. Merlo spoke about about her recent trip with the Olive Co-operative to the West Bank. We saw photos of what was happening in the West Bank. We heard stories of children finding it almost impossible to make the journey to their school. The ethnic cleansing of Palestine is still happening to this day. The talk was followed by a delicious Lebanese meal cooked by Rushdi. We then watched “Jerusalem: East Side Story”. This documentary takes you on a journey exposing Israel’s policy to gain supremacy and hegemony over the city and its inhabitants. It also touches on the future of the city: Jerusalem is the key to peace; without Jerusalem, there is no peace for anyone. The evening ended with informal chats between the guests. This was a trial event. We plan to have more to inform and educate people on what’s happening in Palestine.

Boycott Days of Action, Tuesday 30 March

Leeds PSC members attended Tesco on Roundhay Road to highlight the issue to shoppers and staff. As the situation in Jerusalem worsens, as the siege on Gaza continues and as colonial settlements in the West Bank consume more Palestinian land, the response from the international solidarity campaigns must be renewed commitment to BDS actions. The Palestinian Global call for action on March 30this our opportunity to demonstrate that we refuse to stay silent while Israel escalates its attacks on Palestinian rights. More info at PSC

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Betty Hunter at Leeds PSC AGM, 29 March

Leeds Palestine Solidarity Campaign (Leeds PSC) held its 1st Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the 29th of March. Our special guest was Betty Hunter, General Secretary of Palestine Solidarity Campaign. She spoke about Boycotting Israel, Trade Union, Anti-Apartheid, Media etc and officially launched the Leeds PSC Branch. We are now affliated to National Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC).

Betty and Bill Adams from Yorkshire and Humber TUC General Secretary was promoting a “Ban Settlement Good” postcard in Leeds. This is a joint Palestine Solidarity Campaign and TUC campaign which aims to end the sale of settlement produce in Britain. Watch Betty’s speech at our AGM below.

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An evening with Sharyn Lock

Sharyn Lock author of recently published “Gaza: Beneath the Bombs” came as part of a national book launch tour to Leeds main bookshop , Waterstone’s on Albion Street, on Wednesday 17th March. At the event, attended by over 30 people, Sharyn described and answered questions about her experiences with the International Solidarity Movement and the Free Gaza Movement in Gaza.  She also encouraged the audience to show solidarity with Palestinian calls for justice and associated campaigns namely by supporting or getting involved in:… Click on the above title to see photos of the event.

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Leeds PSC “Fund Raising Concert”, 20th Feb

This has been a successful event for Leeds PSC, raising £671 (profit) with more to collect. We had a packed house, full of audiences from across Leeds, many of whom were influential figures. We have fulfilled the purpose of the event, that is to have a relaxed evening of entertainment and to raise some money for a school in Palestine and also to fund Leeds PSC campaigns. We had guest local bands and performers including: Bayou Gumbo, Head for Heights, Karl Dallas, Reel High and The Hydropaths. Click on the above title to see photos and videos of the event.

Israeli Apartheid and Food Insecurity in Palestine, Sat 20th Feb

Leeds PSG and PSC are groups that advocate justice for the Palestinian people, through promoting human rights and highlighting the effects of Israeli Apartheid and the occupation of Palestine. This workshop will present and engage discussion on the detrimental effects of Israeli policies and practices (such as the false labelling of illegal settlement products) that threaten the food security and viability of the Palestinian people. The opportunities of the international Boycott Disinvestment and Sanctions movement as a strategy to counter such issues of injustice will be highlighted and discussed. We aim to increase local awareness and participation in this growing global initiative.

Gaza Vigil by Leeds PSC: Mon 18th Jan, 530pm Dortmund Sq

Supporters of Palestine gathered in solidarity on Dortmund Square, by Headrow St John’s centre from 530-630pm to remind themselves, shoppers and those working in the city of Israel’s ongoing occupation and in particular to remember those killed during Operation Cast Lead in  Gaza during the winter of 2008/09.  A hand written banner was displayed above the famous “barrel man”  landmark in remembrance of the 1415 killed, which included many children, in the 22 day war. Supporters carried candles lit inside jars, wore Free Palestine t-shirts , scarves and displayed the Palestine flag. A megaphone was used to periodically announce the reason for our presence. Passers by were offered leaflets promoting Leeds PSC, along with some suggested actions  including the call to boycott Israeli goods. Many signed up to receive further info on the campaign. Click on the above title to read more.

Leeds PSC take part in 22 days of Waging Peace

On 9th January, some of us from Leeds – and others from Halifax and Manchester – took part in one of the the 22 days of waging peace campaign events at the Brimar factory on the outskirts of Oldham.  Brimar’s strap line is “Design Solutions” which makes them sound nice and helpful – what they actually make is components for military aircraft – some of which have been bought by Israel.  Brimar does also make equipment for none military use. Click on the above title to read more.

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BRICUP: Israel, the Palestinians and Apartheid: The Case for Sanctions and Boycott

We are fortunate to have these 4 excellent guest speakers appearing together in Leeds (one of only 4 UK dates)  which is a great opportunity to widen awareness & support for BDS campaign. So spreading the word, as well as attending, would be much appreciated. Offers of help to run an info stall on the evening are welcome. Click on the above title to read more.

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Nov 13 vigil outside Morrisons HQ

The North Targets Morrisons during the BIN Week of Action on Supermarkets Members of the Boycott Israel Network in the North of England answered the call for week of action against supermarkets with a series of ‘swoops’ at Morrisons and Waitrose supermarkets all over the north, including in Sheffield, Liverpool, Manchester, Bolton and Leeds (apologies to those we have not heard from yet). There was also a major demonstration outside Morrison’s head office in Bradford. Bradford’s Friends of Al Aqsa and United4Palestine joined with members of Halifax Friends of Palestine, York Student Palestine Society, the Bradford, Leeds and York branches of PSC and Viva Palestina to mount a 2 hour vigil opposite Morrison’s fortress- like headquarters building in Pudsey on the afternoon of Friday 13th . Click on the above title to read more.