Orlando DSA stands unequivocally with the Palestinian people in their struggle against genocide and apartheid. As a chapter, we are firmly an anti-Zionist organization. Orlando DSA has consistently organized with local Palestinian and anti-Zionist organizations to advance the democratic struggle for Palestinian freedom in Orlando, including the action at this year’s US Olympic Marathon Trials.
However, in light of DSA’s National Political Committee’s failure to pass the unamended anti-Zionist resolution MSR-12, the chapter entered into a discussion on the necessity of making clear that Zionism is unacceptable and that we will not tolerate it in our spaces. As of this week, Orlando DSA has officially voted to adopt our localized version of the unamended MSR-12 resolution. Anti-Zionism is not just our principle; it is also our practice.
Orlando DSA has voted to strongly advocate for the complete and unconditional decolonization and liberation of Palestine, as well as the dissolution of Israel as a settler-colonialist apartheid state. We are committing to several political goals, including supporting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, ending U.S. aid to Israel, freeing the prisoners in the Sde Teiman concentration camp, and demanding full rights of return for Palestinians.
Orlando DSA has established a Palestine Solidarity Committee to coordinate pro-Palestine activism, now specifically recognizes anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian racism as forms of harassment, and will empower Jewish members to facilitate anti-Zionist organizing within the Orlando Jewish community. The chapter’s Political Education Committee will organize educational events focused on anti-Zionism. Orlando DSA has also enshrined the right for the chapter to pursue disciplinary actions for members who engage in or defend Zionism.
If the Democratic National Convention has taught us anything, it’s that the Democratic Party does not care about Palestine. They do not care that 40,000 Palestinians are dead. The IDF relentlessly bombs homes, schools, and places of worship, and Democrats cheer. They want Palestine to die. As a society, we must do better. If the powers that be are unwilling to act, we are obligated to do it ourselves. We call on other DSA chapters to join us in establishing strong anti-Zionist principles to put into practice and help lead as examples in our respective communities.
Zionism is a fascist doctrine – we are bound politically and morally to oppose it by any means necessary. If you are a member of the Central Florida community who is interested in socialism, anti-Zionism, and human decency, we encourage you to Join DSA. and organize in our chapter for a free Palestine.
Solidarity forever,
Orlando DSA
August 22th, 2024