At an emergency rally for Lebanon on Saturday, September 21, eight activists were brutally arrested by the Orlando Police Department (OPD). The group was confronted by a Zionist agitator, prompting a member of Central FL Queers for Palestine (CFL Q4P) to begin filming the harassment, as well as OPD protecting the agitator. In response, an OPD officer forcefully shoved the activist, sending her several feet backward, where she struck her head against a tree. While she lay motionless, the officer began attempting to arrest her. When fellow activists intervened to check on her condition, they too were arrested. The activist that was shoved is a Lebanese American and an incredibly important organizer in their community, having been a long time community leader for issues impacting the Arab community.
Orlando DSA’s Palestine Solidarity Committee unequivocally stands in solidarity with CFL Q4P. We condemn the excessive use of force employed by OPD, elevated by Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and Florida’s law enforcement agencies jacking up the oppression against peaceful activists, pro-Palestine organizations and community members. We recognize that OPD has a history and a pattern of dangerous escalation and excessive force when it comes to protests for Palestinian liberation. We understand that this is no accident: police in America exist to violently uphold the interests of the state, and we have seen how our country continues to normalize Zionism and violence towards the Palestinian people and their allies. As socialists, we affirm our unwavering support for the Palestinian resistance, and resistance struggles waged against these imperialist, capitalist, and Zionist war-mongerers. We also commend CFL Q4P for their crucial work in raising awareness of the ongoing struggles faced by the Palestinian, and now Lebanese, people.
The activists have been released, and are now faced with substantial and unjust legal challenges. We urge Orlando to contribute to Healing our Homeland’s Bail fund. Orlando DSA’s Palestine Solidarity Committee is committed and will continue to organize Palestine events locally. For now, we ask everyone to attend CFL Q4P’s “All out for Palestine” protest Monday October 7th at the Orlando City Hall. Show up and speak out against OPD and their racist brutality!
Signed,
Orlando DSA
Palestine Solidarity Committee
September 29th, 2024