Marxism Festival kicks off with debates on Palestine, anti-racism and the election

July 4, 2024 –
From Socialist Worker (UK)

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A meeting on Palestine and racism on the first day of Marxism Festival (Picture: Socialist Worker)

Socialists, Palestine campaigners, anti-racist activists and others from across Britain—and the world— flocked to central London on Thursday for the start of Marxism Festival at UCL university.

It’s set to be one of the largest Marxism Festivals with over 3,000 advance bookings.

One of the biggest was on a one state solution with Palestinian writer Ghada Karmi. There was another on contemporary racism in Britain with journalist Gary Younge. Other meetings covered toxic masculinity, Marxism and the climate, abolishing the police, imperialism and Islamophobia—and more.

Student Sophia is attending Marxism for the first time. “I’ve never been to anything like this before, and I wanted to make the most of listening to some radical talks,” she told Socialist Worker.

Sophia added that she’s looking forward to “any talks on Palestine”. “But there’s so much to see. I’ll be going to the anti-racism meetings too, and I want to learn more about Marxist theory.

“I have a general idea but to hear in more detail on a range of topics will be great.”

Ju came from France to join the festival. “I’m really excited to meet other socialists from different countries, and be part of the discussion together,” they told Socialist Worker.

“This will be a great opportunity to share ideas about the world around us and then discuss what we can do about it and how we can organise. And with the march for Palestine happening on Saturday, we can connect theory and practice straight away.”

In a meeting on Palestine and racism, people discussed the rise of the far right pushes Islamophobia. One contributor said, “Islam versus Jews is a Zionist discourse. I don’t care what the religion of my oppressor is, the boot on my neck is the problem.

“We shouldn’t be defensive when we explain our oppression and where it really comes from. We are the many compared to those few in power.”

Another said, “The mass movement for Palestine has exposed the racism at the heart of the Israeli state. But we’ve also seen the intensification of Islamophobia in the context of the upheaval.

“The movement has been racialised—it’s consciously painted as full of Muslims who are antisemitic and terrorists. But the fight for Palestine is not just a Muslim issue.”

There are three more days of political discussion, debate and analysis to take part. Speakers include Jerem Corbyn, economist Yanis Varoufakis, Sudanese writer Muzan Alneel and Portuguese historian Raquel Varela to name a few.

Themes include the aftermath of the election results, resistance in Palestine, fighting racism and the legacy of empire and winning women’s and LGBT+ liberation.

Any socialist or activist interested in Marxist ideas is missing out if they don’t join the event to discuss radical ideas to change the world—and how to put that into action.

Marxism Festival continues over Friday, Saturday and Sunday—it’s not too late to book a ticket and join the debates. Check out the full timetable

Buy your tickets at the Marxism Festival Box Office at University College London (UCL) Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT

Source: Socialistworker.co.uk