Across the country, the Landless Children stand in solidarity with Palestinian children

From the MST web site*

This last Friday (April 5), the date on which we celebrate Palestinian Children’s Day, the Landless Movement mobilized Landless children in 13 states, in the five regions of the country, from rural schools, in solidarity with the victims of the genocide in the Gaza Strip, and in particular, Palestinian children.

A set of pedagogical exercises set the tone for solidarity actions and directly involved teenagers from Childcare Centers, Early Childhood Education Schools, Elementary and High Schools, MST encampments and settlements.

Activities such as music workshops, poster production, drawings and lots of games centered on the theme of Palestine and the historical struggle of workers in defense of their territory in the face of Israeli attacks.

Among the various activities, the children were able to learn about the story of Layla and Samir, Palestinian characters and children who are part of the 2012 Landless Children Magazine. They listened to the song “Palestina Livre” made by children from Pará in 2014. They wrote letters and produced drawings which will be sent to Palestine.

It’s genocide

The number of children killed in the Gaza Strip between October 2023 and February 2024 exceeded the total number of children killed in all wars in the world during the years 2019 to 2022. A child is killed every 10 minutes in Gaza, according to data compiled by the UN. Almost 30,000 people have been murdered, more than 11,000 are children, and every day we see barbarism becoming natural in the world.

Luana Pomme, from the MST National Education Collective, explains the struggle of Landless children in Brazil in solidarity with the Palestinian people is important and necessary, in a scenario of deepening genocide. “Instead of a minute of silence, our children talked, learned about the history of Palestine, the daily lives of children, the culture, the camps in Gaza, Palestinian production and understood the genocide that children and their families are suffering at this time”, she explains.

And she continues: “understanding what is happening in the world, with children and adolescents like them, is part of human development, the pedagogy of the movement, the principle of internationalist solidarity and recognizing that injustices and barbarities that happen anywhere in the world also concern us.”

Actions throughout Brazil

Around 40 schools in the countryside developed activities on Palestinian Children’s Day. In Bahia, students from the 3rd A class, from Colégio Estadual do Campo Anderson França, in Teixeira de Freitas, wrote an open letter, lamenting and expressing indignation at the blood that has been shed in Gaza. “You are strong and courageous, a big hug to the children who need care and affection at this very moment”, ends the letter.

The children from Camp Beatriz Bandeira, in Caseara, Tocantins, got together and sang. Tiago, 11 years old, sent his message: “I hope these bad days pass soon. Stop killing Palestinian children. A big hug to you.”  Photo: MST

“We are saddened by the difficult situation you are going through. With a supportive heart, we hope that peace is restored and that you can be happy. A hug from all of us at  October 29th State School”, wrote the children from March 16 Settlement, in Pontão (RS).

Students from Quedas de Iguaçu (PR), at Chico Mendes State College, in 7th year B, also wrote a letter: “today we know your story, we know that you are going through a difficult time. We are very sad and we are sorry that they cannot be free and cannot even play. We know that this genocide is not your fault. For you, we wish that you can free yourself and conquer your things.”

Pedro, from Pequeno Colibri Childcare Center, in Rio Grande do Sul, said: “I hope these bad days pass soon, feel hugged by the MST children”. 

Check out some images of activities on Palestinian Children’s Day.

Photos: MST