Standing Up for Standing Rock: Salma's Call to Action

By: Nadia Abuelezam

Salma's story highlights the solidarity of indigenous people to the Palestinian cause. Salma challenges us to think about whether or not we stand with other causes and groups yearning for freedom and peace around the world, including here in the United States. Now more than ever our attention is called to many different movements on social media, and it's important to remember as Palestinians that we are called to freedom movements and to support movements like ours.  

Which movements are you called to support? Which do you feel obligated to? Perhaps at the start of this new year, we can do an inventory of all the movements we support. We are inspired by Salma's example and the example of all indigenous people who continue to fight for freedom and justice everywhere. 

The Palestinian flag at the Standing Rock camp in Sioux Country. (Photo credit: Salma Abu Ayyash)

Mark Tilsen putting the Palestinian flag into the ground at Standing Rock camp in Sioux Country.  (Photo credit: Friends of Salma)

Salma Abu Ayyash and a water protector wearing the Palestinian scarf. (Photo credit: Friends of Salma)