Arabs of Conquest

GERMANY: exclusive shots from inside the newly occupied Humboldt University from our comrades.

‏«تكليفنا لا يقتصر على قتال إسرائيل، بل تكليفنا هو الانتصار عليها... وفي حال لم ننتصر عليها فذلك يعني أننا قد قصرنا في القيام بتكليفنا» ‏• الشهيد عماد مغنية ‏(تكليفنا الحرص على الانتصار أكثر من الحرص على رواية النصر) "Our duty is not limited to fighting Israel, but our duty is to achieve victory over it... And if we do not achieve victory, it means that we have fallen short in fulfilling our duty." "Our duty is to prioritize/ensure victory more than to narrate the victory"

From our comrades on the ground in Germany, follow the AOG team for German commentary. This escalation was planned and happened in one of the most repressive states on the planet, Germany. Yet our people took over a building and fought back cops in the process, barricading themselves into the university building. We called on the university to accept our occupation and presence and to ban a police operation. The occupation was allowed through the momentum and force that we used. This is a huge win for the movement in Germany. Especially considering the 8 months of intense repression whereas any sit-in or action for Palestine was met with severe police brutality and immediate dispersal. Long live Palestine. Long live the resistance. Long live the intifada.

Dan Gertler epitomizes the modern face of imperialism in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a country rich in minerals but mired in exploitation and poverty. His role in the DRC is a glaring example of how foreign entities, leveraging covert assets and influence, manipulate local resources and politics to serve their interests, regardless of the human cost. Gertler, an “Israeli” billionaire with close ties to both the Mossad and American political elites, has used his connections to secure highly lucrative mining contracts in the DRC. His deals, often marked by corruption and opacity, have allowed him to amass immense wealth while the Congolese people bear the brunt of the exploitation. The modus operandi of Gertler and his backers is reminiscent of classic imperialism: destabilize a region, exploit its resources, and ensure a compliant local leadership. In the DRC, this has meant cozy relationships with corrupt officials and leaders, facilitated by both “Israeli” intelligence and American political support. These alliances have ensured Gertler's dominance over the mining sector, particularly in cobalt and copper, which are crucial for global industries. Gertler's activities have not only enriched him but have also perpetuated a cycle of poverty and violence in the DRC. The mines he controls are notorious for dangerous working conditions, child labor, and environmental degradation. Local communities see little to no benefit from the extraction of their resources, with profits flowing out of the country to foreign banks and corporations. The involvement of the Mossad adds a layer of geopolitical nefariousness to Gertler's operations. “Israel’s” intelligence agency has a vested interest in securing strategic resources and maintaining influence in Africa. By backing Gertler, they ensure a steady flow of critical minerals essential for technological and military advancements, while also embedding their influence in the region. Similarly, the United States has supported Gertler through political channels, seeing his control over DRC's resources as a way to counter Chinese dominance in Africa. This strategic competition, however, has come at a severe cost to the Congolese people. The US has turned a blind eye to Gertler's corrupt practices and human rights abuses, prioritizing geopolitical advantage over the well-being of millions of Congolese. In essence, it’s important not to see Dan Gertler as the be all and end all of the issue, but to recognize the larger game of imperial power, where intelligence agencies and political elites exploit vulnerable nations for their gain. The DRC's suffering under this neo-colonial arrangement is a stark reminder of how foreign intervention, masked as business and diplomacy, continues to devastate the Global South. The true cost of Gertler's empire is measured not in dollars but in human lives and shattered communities. This is Zionism, expanding its ugly hand across the world.

The Butcher of Congo

Bread and circuses now live on Instagram. An invitation for self-reflection.

Dear students, In our journey, the path we tread is strewn with trials that test our resolve, yet it is crucial that we stand firm and not waver in our commitment to our principles. The encampments we build and the stands we take are not mere gatherings; they are bold declarations against the forces of imperialism and domination. These are not retreats for peace that conforms to the status quo, but fortresses of resistance, symbolizing our refusal to sell out or surrender our values. Let us remember that our fight is not made of hollow words or fleeting sentiments. It is a profound commitment to uphold justice, equality, and truth in the face of daunting challenges. This struggle demands of us an unwavering steadfastness, a resolve that does not falter when faced with the allure of compromise or the comfort of complacency. Together, we must continue to uphold our ideals, undeterred by the seductions of short-term gains that betray our long-term vision. Our encampments are beacons of our resistance, not havens of convenience. They remind us and the world that our struggle is not for sale, that our principles are not up for negotiation. In solidarity, let us move forward, not just with the strength of our convictions, but with the certainty that our cause is just, our spirits unbreakable, and our commitment deep. We stand, not just for ourselves, but as a testament to those who will one day look back on our choices and find that we were the ones who held the line when it mattered most. In unity and resistance, AOC

For Hind…

This exploitation is evident in the way that opportunistic NGOs, charities, businesses and even mere social gatherings and actions are structured around the notion of victimhood. When we talk of “capitalistic viewpoint”, it’s not just about money. Capitalizing on victimhood can be seen as an opportunity to generate revenue, influence, or social capital. The focus on suffering or misfortune was used to draw attention, encourage donations, and foster public engagement with no real impact towards the cause. While these actions might appear altruistic, they are fully self-serving, with the organization’s interests taking precedence over the actual needs of those they claim to help. What’s more alarming, is how it misuses the resources of communities and drains people from their energy. In activist circles, we call them “peddlers of trauma porn”, and they are the loudest to congratulate each other on “building awareness”. The problem is that there is a misunderstanding of the true calling for this cause, which is not to build awareness, but consciousness that is going to bring about change. Only an individualistic mindset sees awareness as the ceiling when it is merely the floor, and it is a floor that we have seen many tap dance on for decades, a perforative act that exonerates them from any real action.

In a world that has remained purposefully deaf to the plight of Palestinians, suddenly the corporate west has found a way to feel for them. With the stroke of a brush, painted in the blood of martyrs, Palestinians have been victimized in every way, shape or form, even to the point of making AI art because reality is somehow not enough to tickle your imagination as to their victimhood. It is no surprise that the majority of this victimhood comes from places of privilege, but who does it truly serve and benefit to paint Palestinians solely as victims? Why is it that the majority of platforms, organizations and politicians that paint Palestinians as victims will also, in the same breath, either ignore or fully curse the resistance that protects them? Are the Palestinian people, and the resistance, not limbs of the same body? Would you cut off a hand, because it forms a fist to protect itself? Under the cover of altruism, individualistic monsters have taken shape to hijack, define and control the narrative that benefits them best. They used a tool far too easy to use, yet imperceptibly present, in a western society: individualism. Individualism emphasizes self-reliance and individual rights, which significantly shapes how people perceive suffering and respond to humanitarian crises. This mindset leads to a focus on seeing people as victims, contributing to a mental distance between those suffering and those observing their pain from afar. In the context of the ongoing genocide, this can create a barrier to genuine empathy and real action. When individuals view others primarily as victims, it inherently dehumanizes them. By reducing people to a single label, their complexity and humanity are lost. This perspective can diminish the urgency and immediacy of the crisis, leading to a passive response. An unfortunate development we have seen not only since October 7th, but well before. Historically, the Arab and Muslim worlds tend to foster a stronger sense of community and solidarity. In our cultures, there is a greater emphasis on collective identity and a moral obligation to support those in need. As individualism seeped in, it has turned many Arabs to passive observation. “Allah yenserkom”, as if the victory of Palestinians is not tied to theirs. Over the past seven months, we have seen incessant sharing that victimizes Palestinians, focusing primarily on their suffering. While this approach may draw attention to the crisis, it also has been detrimental in several ways. First and foremost, dehumanization. By presenting Palestinians solely as victims, their stories become one-dimensional. This can obscure their agency, resilience, and humanity. Second is emotional fatigue. Constant exposure to distressing content over fostering a message of hope and action can lead to desensitization or emotional burnout, reducing people's capacity for meaningful engagement. Finally, it leads to lack of action. Victimization can foster a sense of helplessness, suggesting that the situation is beyond resolution and can discourage people from taking meaningful action. We have seen it in the past few months, again and again. Far too little is done, and when done, is far too late. It’s important to shift the narrative. Instead of viewing Palestinians as victims, we can highlight their resistance, resilience, culture, and humanity. This would foster genuine empathy and encourage a more active response. It also promotes solidarity by focusing on shared values and experiences. Instead, we should emphasize stories of resistance, solidarity and collective action. This can inspire others to get involved and reinforce the sense of a shared struggle. By connecting with the broader human experience, we create a bridge between different cultures and promote a deeper understanding of the crisis. What we’ve seen instead, is individualism thriving on the victimhood of Palestinians, exploited from a capitalistic perspective.

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When the spotlight is shared among everyone working toward a common goal, the movement can gain momentum and achieve lasting change. Ultimately, it's about service and commitment to a cause greater than oneself, and that's where true progress begins. In any movement, red lines are inevitable. These boundaries define the principles and ideals that guide the movement's path toward justice and liberation. Yet, in the diaspora, these red lines are often misunderstood or misused. Instead of serving as a source of unity, they become a weapon wielded against each other, leading to division and conflict within the community. This misuse of red lines contrasts sharply with the reality back home. There, people from different factions, often with completely opposing ideologies about the future state of liberation, stand shoulder-to-shoulder against a common enemy. They understand that their fight is bigger than any internal disagreements, and they focus on the shared goal of achieving freedom and justice. However, in the diaspora, the enemy has shifted from external forces to internal ones—specifically, our own egos. In the diaspora, many organizers fail to grow beyond treating the cause as an extracurricular afterschool activity or a social club. They lack the commitment required for a lifelong struggle for justice. Even when they claim to be committed, it's often a performative commitment, where the focus is on appearances rather than genuine action. This persona of commitment might be characterized by wearing symbols, sharing hashtags, or attending the occasional protest, but it rarely translates into the sustained effort needed to drive real change. This problem is particularly concerning in moments of crisis, where contradictions within the movement become more pronounced, revealing everyone's true colors. These contradictions show who is truly committed to the cause and who is in it for their own gain. If we don't address this colonized mindset of individualism and face our internal conflicts, we risk being stuck in a perpetual cycle of colonization, causing further damage to the cause. To move forward, the community must take action to force organizers to shape up. This involves holding them accountable for their behavior and ensuring they understand that the movement isn't about personal gain but about a shared commitment to justice. It's crucial to remember that liberation starts with the mind. If we don't liberate our minds from the chains of individualism and ego, we can't hope to achieve liberation for our people. The path to justice requires unity, solidarity, and a focus on the greater good, not just in words but in actions. Only then can we truly overcome the challenges that stand in the way of our collective liberation.

Individualism, often heralded as a path to personal freedom, is a sickness in revolutionary movements, leading to isolation and vulnerability. In a society where individualism is promoted above all else, the fabric of community and collective strength is worn thin, making it easier for the powers that be to control and manipulate the masses. An individualistic society is designed to fragment social bonds, reducing people to isolated units. Without a strong community, people lack the support and collective voice necessary to challenge oppressive systems. This lack of unity means individuals have no one to turn to when seeking education or guidance, allowing those in power to lower educational standards and limit access to knowledge without much resistance. This isolation also makes it easier for the powers that be to silence dissent and censor any means of individual expression. A fragmented society where people are focused solely on their own lives and pursuits creates an environment ripe for control. When people are isolated, they are more susceptible to propaganda, misinformation, and distraction. Entertainment becomes the primary tool of control, providing a constant stream of distractions that keep people from questioning the status quo. Bread and circuses, the age-old strategy of diverting public attention from real issues, take on new forms in an individualistic society. People are kept busy with entertainment, consumerism, and superficial pursuits, leaving them with little time or inclination to question authority. This cycle of control through individualism perpetuates itself. Without a sense of community or collective responsibility, individuals have little power to effect change or challenge oppressive systems. The powers that be use individualism as a weapon, knowing that a divided society is easier to control than a united one. To break this cycle, communities must reclaim their collective voice, fostering solidarity and cooperation in the face of a system designed to keep them apart. This is why many movements often struggle with division: the prevalence of egotistical personalities and self-interest. When individuals prioritize their own agendas over the collective good, they create rifts within movements, undermining their effectiveness. Instead of focusing on the cause, these individuals center themselves, seeking personal recognition and influence. In these situations, you'll often notice that certain people are prominently featured on posters and in promotional materials, as if the movement revolves around them. They claim to champion the cause, but their actions reveal a different motive—they're building their own brand. Rather than promoting the collective, they're driven by a desire to be seen and heard, to make the movement about themselves rather than about the community. These individuals might start their own organizations, fragmenting the movement instead of fostering unity with allies. They often split resources and energy, creating unnecessary competition and diverting attention from the real issues. This focus on personal gain, whether it's to grow their organization or enhance their public image, dilutes the power of the collective and hinders meaningful progress. When a movement is reduced to a platform for individual recognition, its core message gets lost. The cause should be about selflessness, about putting aside personal ambitions for the greater good. True leaders in a movement understand that unity is paramount, and they work to bring people together, not drive them apart. They recognize that the strength of a movement lies in its collective effort, where everyone contributes to a shared goal without seeking personal glory. To build a successful movement, it's essential to prioritize the cause above all else, fostering a culture of cooperation and mutual support. This means setting aside petty differences and focusing on what unites us, not what divides us.

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A message from the resistance

As we stand firm in our beliefs during this crucial period for the cause, @meta has once again suspended @arabsofcanada, revealing the fragile veneer of “free speech” in Western society. This once again underscores how the idea of free expression often serves to maintain a system built on deception, ensuring conformity. From university campuses to city streets and digital platforms, any challenge to the status quo is suppressed. Despite these minor obstacles that pale in comparison to the fight on the ground, we remain undeterred and steadfast in our commitment to amplifying the voices of the oppressed, and we refuse to be silenced. Down with the occupation and all its dogs. Follow our backups: https://www.instagram.com/arabsofchange https://www.instagram.com/arabsofconscience