Arab Idol star Assaf salutes striking ‘heroes’

Palestinians across the occupied West Bank express solidarity with prisoners in various ways

Palestinian pop singer Mohammad Assaf urged people all over the world to show solidarity with the “heroes behind Israeli bars”.

Assaf said he saluted the prisoners in their “strike for dignity”.

He also lent support to those who had the strength to join the hunger strike, although it was unclear that he had joined the strike himself.

“We have to challenge ourselves for the sake of our heroes behind bars who sacrificed their lives for us to show our hearts are with them,” he said in a video posted on his official Twitter account.

Meanwhile, Palestinians in the Occupied West Bank have adopted various methods to show solidarity with the prisoners. Wedding invitations have included apologies stating music would not be played to show solidarity with the strikers.

Activities across world

Restaurants, like Alf Leila wLeila in Nablus, declared today an off day, when food will not be served, to show solidarity with prisoners.

Palestinians have also used social media to convey the plight of the hunger striking prisoners, and to gain support for their demands.

Palestinian ambassadors and community leaders in Europe and the US also engaged in solidarity activities, to raise awareness about the hunger strike.

The Palestinian Ambassador to Turkey Fayed Mustafa held a lecture at the Atilim University in Ankara about the prisoners’ strike.

The Fatah Movement has supported the hunger strike, as well as the prisoners’ demands. Fatah has pitched supportive tents across the West Bank cities, refugee camps and towns.

They have held demonstrations and sometimes have led clashes with the Israeli army at checkpoints.

We should challenge ourselves for the sake of our heroes behind bars who sacrificed their lives for us to show our hearts are with them. ” Mohammad Assaf | Palestinian pop singer