National SDS Statement on Aaron Bushnell
On February 25th, Aaron Bushnell became a martyr for Palestine. Standing resolutely in front of the Israeli embassy, dressed in his uniform, he ignited himself in a profound act of protest, denouncing the genocide in Gaza and the United States’ responsibility for it. As he walked towards the embassy, he voiced his solidarity with the Palestinian people and his refusal to be complicit in genocide. In front of the embassy, he set himself ablaze, chanting "Free Palestine". As police officers drew near, rather than offering aid, they aimed their guns at him while he was engulfed in flames. Seven hours elapsed before he ultimately succumbed to his burns.
“I am about to engage in an extreme act of protest, but compared to what people have been experiencing in Palestine at the hands of their colonizers, it’s not extreme at all. This is what our ruling class has decided will be normal. Free Palestine.” - Last words of Aaron Bushnell
If it were not for the United States’ aid, the state of Israel would not exist. Every single day, the United States is providing the bombs, guns, and ammunition that kills the Palestinian people. When he engaged in self-immolation, he brought attention to the United States’ involvement in the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Every single year, the US sends $3 billion to Israel which has only increased after October 7th.
“Were there not an Israel, the United States of America would have to invent an Israel to protect her interest in the region.” - Biden
We can look to the example of Aaron Bushnell and the Palestinian people to know how much it will take to end the occupation. As of today, Biden, in a clear act of escalation, is putting boots on the ground in Gaza under the lie of humanitarian aid. If he and the United States government truly cared about the people of Palestine, they would immediately end all aid towards Israel. With this aid, Israel continues to intensify its genocide of Palestinians through the invasion of Rafah. As the United States and Israel continue to escalate, the student movement must do the same.
Students For A Democratic Society says no more. We must take up every opportunity to pressure the United States government to end its aid to Israel.
End US Aid To Israel!
Hands off Rafah!
Free Palestine!