Frequently Asked Questions about Free Palestine Now!

What does it take to be a Free Palestine Now! member?

 All that is needed to become a member of Free Palestine Now! Is an interest in the plight of the Palestinian people and the conviction to challenge the injustices perpetuated by the Israeli government and their US backers in the occupied Palestinian territories.  Free Palestine Now! does not have an official membership list and all of our activists participate within their own parameters for action and commitment to the group. 

The Free Palestine Now! Website shows pictures of Palestinian youths throwing rocks at tanks, does this mean that Free Palestine Now! Does not support non-violence?

 No, Free Palestine Now! Practices non-violence in all of our actions in solidarity with the Palestinian people here in the United States, however we purposely make no comment or commitment on any issue relating to the oppressed Palestinian people’s struggle for freedom from oppression.  The tactics, methods, and processes of liberation and all the consequences they entail must be left to the decision of the Palestinian people who live under daily military occupation.  Additionally, asides from the obvious question as to whether kids stoning a tank is violent or non-violent, the stoning of high-tech Israeli military equipment by unarmed Palestinians is a symbol of the Palestinian struggle against domination and subjugation. The first Intifada was also referred to as the “war of the stones” as it was highlighted by daily battles between youths with rocks and well armed and sadistic occupying soldiers. 

Free Palestine Now! proclaims through it’s literature a support of the Intifada, does that not support violence?

 No, Intifada as it relates to the Palestinian cause means “shaking off” and relates to the two spontaneous Palestinian uprisings during the 36 year Israeli military occupation of the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem.  The “shaking off” of occupation has taken many forms during the 6 years of the first Intifada, and the 3 years of the current Intifada, including both non-violent and violent resistance to occupation.  The Intifada has also taken global dynamics and refers to the struggle of activists all over the world in support and solidarity with the Palestinian people.  Therefore Free Palestine Now! proudly proclaims; Victory to the Intifada! Long live the Palestinian uprising!

Who can write editorials for the Free Palestine Now! website?

 Anybody who is actively involved with Free Palestine Now! can write an editorial for publication completely free of censorship and on any topic he or she chooses.  The editorials section is devoted to the individual and personal opinions of activists involved in the Palestinian struggle with Free Palestine Now!

What is the internal structure of Free Palestine Now!

Free Palestine Now! is an equality based grass roots movement with a loose three person executive council.  Executive Council members have no more rights than any other member but hold the responsibility of being the coordinators and contact persons for the groups.  Executive Council elections are held once a semester with every Free Palestine Now! activist holding one equal vote.  Additionally Free Palestine Now! has a number of committees who elect their own chair persons every semester to act as a liaison with the rest of the group. 

How does Free Palestine Now! raise funds for events and actions?

 Free Palestine Now! has a small but growing fundraising committee whose activities include selling Palestinian solidarity scarves and T-shirts, holding benefit shows and dinners, and soliciting donations from generous local people, businesses and groups.  Free Palestine Now! does not charge membership dues, but has, for the majority of its existence been sustained by member donations.

Is Free Palestine Now! affiliated with any other groups or organizations?

 Yes and No, Free Palestine Now! in Richmond is a coalition of 4 groups.  Free Palestine Now! (FPN), the Richmond chapter of Jews Against the Occupation (RJATO), the Richmond chapter of Stop US Tax-funded Aid to Israel Now (SUSTAIN), and Students for Divestment at VCU (SD-VCU).  Free Palestine Now! is only affiliated with our one other chapter at Mary Washington College (MWC), RJATO is affiliated with Jews Against the Occupation in NYC, Richmond SUSTAIN is affiliated with SUSTAIN national, and Students for Divestment at VCU have no affiliation.  None of the groups in our coalition have affiliation with any international organization or group. 

Does Free Palestine Now! support Direct Action on the Palestinian cause?

 Yes, Free Palestine Now! originally started as a non-violent direct action group on behalf of the oppressed Palestinian people but moved into a more educational role to fulfill the need for information on the plight of the Palestinians within our community.  Free Palestine Now! does not carry out non-violent direct action as a group, but fully supports any of its members who wish to embark upon non-violent direct actions, and will fully publicize their actions through any and all means at the groups disposal.