Last Saturday we marked day 46 of the unjust imprisonment of the #Filton10.
Ten people of conscience accused of trying to stop genocide by smashing an Israeli arms factory which boasts of playing a leading role in the genocide.
Rather than be celebrated as the heroes they are, they are instead languishing in prison, denied bail for no justifiable reason, awaiting trial which has been set over 15 months away, more than 2.5x the legal custody time limit of six months.
Why?
In reply to other prisoners asking her why she took part in the action, 20 years old Zoe of the #Filton10, who was to start university this year, replied by writing this beautiful poem:
When they ask why I did it
I tell them about the children
how their childhood was stolen from them
how their skeletons are left charred and smoking
how easily their bodies are crushed by falling buildings
how their skin melts as their flaming tents collapse around them
I tell them of the boy
who was found carrying his brother’s body
inside his bloody backpack
I tell them of the girl
whose hanging corpse ended at the knees
I tell them of the father
holding up his headless toddler
I tell them of the mother
who received the ‘approximate weight’
of body parts of her family to bury
as they had all been shattered
beyond recognition
Then I tell them about the history
how this has happened time and time again
I tell them about the Stern Gang
the Hilltop Youth
the wars of 48 & 67
Operation Cast Lead & Protective Edge
I explain how they call it ‘mowing the lawn’ ‘cleaning’ the land of these ‘human animals’
How they calculate the minimum nutrients
to keep everyone alive
chop a bit off and let only that inside
How since the war they’ve banned
chlorine morphine and children’s toys
and much more that’s needed
for people to survive
Finally I talk about
how it was us that started it
with our Balfour Declaration
and media suppression
and I say I cannot stand for this
it can go on no longer
so I took action against Elbit
their weapons supplier
But I never forget to say
That it was love not hate that called me
Watching their songs and dances for freedom
Reading their hope-filled books
Listening to their dreams
Of being doctors teachers journalists
And never giving up”
The Kitchen This Week
Every week the queues seem to be getting longer, with over 70 people now. Any hope of a new government bringing change by ditching the failed policies of austerity, which are designed to systematically targeted the poor in order to fatten the rich, have been dashed by Starmer choosing to doubling down on austerity.
But even in this bleakness, we are always overwhelmed by the generosity and care shown by our guests and our community.
Every week kind souls in our community bring food for us to share with those in need.
But also those in need who have nothing, are sometimes the most generous amongst us.
Last week, a guest who herself is in desperate need donated a big bag of potatoes for us to give out to other guests – she grows her own potatoes and wanted to share them with others in need.❤️
This week a guest brought roses for all the volunteers to show his appreciation. It was a really kind gesture. ❤️
