France, Alternative Libertaire AL - antiracism, Réfugié.es: an example of solidarity to imitate popular by G-Douai Valenciennes

 (en) France, Alternative Libertaire AL - antiracism,
Réfugié.es: an example of solidarity to imitate popular by G-Douai
Valenciennes (fr, it, pt) [machine translation]

Simple, practical and great political significance: the success of collections for 
réfugié.es shows that a surge of popular generosity is possible, far xenophobic 
politicians discourse. The comrades AL du Nord - Pas-de-Calais tell the action mounted. 
---- Second week of September, there is nothing to be the cockroach: the despair of tens 
of thousands of réfugié.es stoppé.es by the Hungarian army, the drowning of small Aylan 
Kurdi, and thereby above the débectants speech Michel Onfray, Marine Le Pen and others. 
---- Alternative Libertaire, which mobilized this summer to support migrant.es camps in 
Paris, insists that "the only solution is freedom of movement". ---- We would like to do 
something more, but what? Yet another demonstration where you will find only a few hundred 
people made aware?

The weekend of September 12-13, was the trigger: a good old action of practical 
solidarity, field, simple and effective. A call to the People's generosity and fundraising 
to help réfugié.es that will soon arrive in the Douaisis. The occasion of a public 
demonstration that there is an alternative to xenophobia and withdrawal.

For four days, hung the phone

First Organization sought, one where it militates in everyday life: the local union CGT 
Douaisis [1]. Neither one nor two, all the comrades consulted approve the idea eagerly. 
Begins an extensive tour of phone calls. For four days, we hung the phone with different 
organizations to set foot logistics and circulate the widest possible appeal.

Ultimately, one can press the CGT, FSU, CNT for unions; AL, PCF, EELV, PG, Antifascist 
Action for Political orgas; Immigration and the rights of migrants, Europalestine, MRAP, 
Popular Aid for Assos; as well as the undocumented Committee of Nord-Pas-de-Calais.

On all sides, positive feedback, encouragement: it darkens. Ultimate good surprise: when 
will search the truck 30 m3 we booked, the landlord announces that since this is to help 
réfugié.es, it will be free gift of the house!

On Wednesday, September 16, so we stationnons in the courtyard of City Hall. Activists and 
campaigners arrive. Then, without having to wait long, the inhabitants and locals, loaded 
with sacks: dozens of bags with clothes, blankets, pans, toys, food ...

Photos: La Voix du Nord

We are quickly overwhelmed. Also overwhelmed by emotion. As often, the most generous are 
not necessarily the wealthiest. The tear in his eye, a volunteer Secours Populaire tells 
us that among donors, he recognizes someone who is himself the beneficiary of the 
solidarity association. All this heart-warming. Mutual aid, handshakes, fun: trade 
unionists, communists, anarchists, antifascists, various associations cooperate smoothly 
carried by the event.

50 m3 in two days!

Within an hour, the truck 30 m3 are filled. Speaking to a small megaphone, on behalf of UL
CGT, and walking store the fruit of the collection. But the momentum has continued, the 
next day, it was already 50 m3! The press covered the event and has made an honest 
rendering account.

This is important to widely publicize such action. Because we do not do it with 
discretion, to feel good between us, but to show that the popular classes are not as 
xenophobic as would the Finkielkraut, Zemmour, Onfray and company, and we can go against 
the tide of rampant fascism in this country.

Eddy (AL Douai)

[1] Since 2009, UL-CGT Douaisis split between "pro-class struggle" (where trade unionists 
are found AL) and reformists, but she'll be reunited soon, which should end a waste of energy.

http://www.alternativelibertaire.org/?Refugie-e-s-un-exemple-de