Subject: Urgent Commentary: Global Trend of Violence Targeting Eritrean Celebrations Demands Immediate Action and Update about the attacks on the Eritrean community in Tel Israel
Dear Supporters,
We are witnessing a profoundly troubling global trend - a wave of violence targeting Eritrean celebrations abroad. The recent events in Tel Aviv, Israel, are just one painful example of an orchestrated and funded effort to disrupt our peaceful commemorations of Eritrean Independence Day.
The Situation at a Glance:
- In Tel Aviv, Eritrean community members prepared to celebrate their national holiday, meticulously following all legal procedures and receiving authorities' permission.
- Astonishingly, permits were also granted to a motley group of hooligans positioned disturbingly close to the event.
- Despite the Eritrean community's credible warnings about potential violence, the Israeli police brushed these concerns aside.
- What followed was chaos, with these outsiders armed with weapons, including knives and sticks, wreaking havoc. They even attacked the Eritrean community members who had assembled as per police instructions.
- The Tel Aviv incident is not an isolated one; similar disruptions have occurred in other parts of the world, including Canada, the US, Sweden, and Norway.
The Alarming Pattern:
- Perpetrators often pretend to be Eritreans, obscuring their true identity. This false narrative sometimes finds acceptance among local authorities.
- The violence routinely inflicts serious injuries, not only on attendees but also on the very police deployed to ensure order.
- Property damage has become a tragic hallmark of these events.
- Alarmingly, some of these counter-protestors are granted permits to attend, a baffling decision given the predictable outcome.
- What's more puzzling is that these incidents are occurring despite advance warnings provided by event organisers to local authorities.
The Need for Urgent Action:
- We demand answers from intelligence agencies. Are these incidents being monitored? If so, why is this violence allowed to persist?
- We urge authorities to revoke permits for these groups and subject them to full surveillance. It's time to put an end to this orchestrated violence.
- [Link to Alastair Thompson's tweet]( https://twitter.com/althecat/status/1698798852705259840?s=20) exposes the gravity of the situation and calls for these groups to be shut down.
- The [news release](https://shabait.com/2023/09/04/mob-violence-in-tel-aviv/) provides further insight into the Tel Aviv incident.
Convincing Argument for Action:
- We call upon intelligence agencies to designate these violent groups as threats to national security. Their coordinated, well-funded attacks demand immediate attention.
- A review of police responses is warranted. Despite facing injuries, the police often treat these terrorists as if they were engaging in an organised attack. This raises concerns about potential collusion or negligence on the part of authorities.
Our Call to Action:
- Are we angry and saddened by these disruptions? Yes, we are. It's time to channel that anger into signing this petition.
- Commit to bringing at least ten Eritreans or friends of Eritreans to sign the petition. Together, we can make a difference.
- Let's not wait for change; let's be the change.[Link to the Petition](https://www.change.org/EriUnity2023)Together, we will stand against this orchestrated violence and protect the right of Eritrean communities worldwide to commemorate their national day peacefully.
In solidarity,
Eritrean Communities and Civil Societies in Diaspora
#StopViolence #SafetyForAll #EritreanCommunity #GlobalSolidarity