Below are two statements regarding the recent attacks on the Jenin Freedom Theatre. They include an appeal for support. First from Felice Gelman, a New York-based activist/leader. Then an email from Jacob Gough of the Freedom Theatre.
Felice Gelman:
The Israeli Occupation Forces continue their “investigation” of the killing of Juliano Mer Khamis [in April]. Their “investigative” methods? Trashing The Freedom Theatre and peoples’ homes, middle of the night raids and arrests, and torture and imprisonment. Truly a medieval approach. Threaten and torture the victim’s friends and colleagues, despite their repeatedly stated willingness to cooperate with the investigation and answer all questions. That way they can be sure that anyone in the camp who actually possesses information will never let it be known.
At this point, three people associated with The Freedom Theatre have been arrested in post-midnight raids and imprisoned, and one snatched at a checkpoint and imprisoned, and two more summoned to appear for questioning — with arrest almost certain to follow. The courts have found there was no evidence to arrest the first three, but imprisoned one because, while being held and abused, he admitted to having entered Israel illegally at some point in the last two years. The other person seized in a post-midnight raid has had his detention extended for three weeks.
Needless to say, staging a play, holding film series, and conducting acting classes when your personnel are arbitrarily arrested, imprisoned, tortured, and traumatized is incredibly challenging. The Israeli Occupation Forces have clearly targeted The Freedom Theatre for destruction under the guise of “investigating” the murder of its co-founder and director, Juliano Mer Khamis.
This is the way occupation works, and The Freedom Theatre is the way art works as resistance.
Please let people know what is happening and how they can support The Freedom Theatre.
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