Kamal Abbas

Egypt stands with Wisconsin

February 22, 2011

Kamal Abbas is general coordinator of the Center for Trade Union and Workers Services in Egypt, an organization that provides legal aid to workers and educates them about their rights. The center played an important role in the uprising that overthrew dictator Hosni Mubarak.

Abbas made a videotaped statement sending solidarity to the struggle in Wisconsin against Gov. Scott Walker's assault on organized labor. Here, we publish an English-language translation.

I AM speaking to you from a place very close to Tahrir Square in Cairo, "Liberation Square," which was the heart of the revolution in Egypt. This is the place were many of our youth paid with their lives and blood in the struggle for our just rights.

From this place, I want you to know that we stand with you as you stood with us. I want you to know that no power can challenge the will of the people when they believe in their rights--when they raise their voices loud and clear, and struggle against exploitation.

No one believed that our revolution could succeed against the strongest dictatorship in the region. But in 18 days, the revolution achieved the victory of the people. When the working class of Egypt joined the revolution on February 9 and 10, the dictatorship was doomed, and the victory of the people became inevitable.

We want you to know that we stand on your side. Stand firm and don't waver. Don't give up on your rights. Victory always belongs to the people who stand firm and demand their just rights. We and all the people of the world stand on your side and give you our full support.

An Egyptian demonstrator shows his solidarity with workers protesting in Wisconsin
An Egyptian demonstrator shows his solidarity with workers protesting in Wisconsin

As our just struggle for freedom, democracy and justice succeeded, your struggle will succeed. Victory belongs to you when you stand firm and remain steadfast in demanding your just rights.

We support you. We support the struggle of the peoples of Libya, Bahrain and Algeria, who are fighting for their just rights and falling martyrs in the face of the autocratic regimes. The peoples are determined to succeed no matter the sacrifices, and they will be victorious.

Today is the day of the American workers. We salute you American workers! You will be victorious. Victory belongs to all the people of the world who are fighting against exploitation and for their just rights.

First published at MichaelMoore.com.

What you can do

Wisconsin activists have suggestions for people who would like to support the struggle, but can't get to Madison:

-- Send a donation via PayPal to [email protected]. The money will go to supplies for banners and other materials we need and don't have any money for.

-- If you have connections with a group that should be offering solidarity, but isn't yet, please contact them. From statements of solidarity (paper or video) to rallies to money, we want it. Think broad: the bill kicks undocumented children off BadgerCare (health care); it threatens domestic partnerships, won through non-wages collective bargaining; it will destroy public transit in Madison (which is an environmental issue, as well as a class issue).

-- For information about further activism and updates on the situation in Madison, visit International Socialist Organization Madison Web site.

Further Reading

From the archives