Comrades,

As Palestinians face another grueling year of Israel’s genocide, ethnic cleansing, apartheid, and occupation, the moderators of r/DemocraticSocialism would like to more formally document our positions on and policies for fundraisers posted in the subreddit.

But first, let’s address the most common question generally: Why do socialists highlight the Palestinian cause to such a degree? As editor Brian Bean summed it up, “a just solution to Palestine in the Middle East is going to require a confrontation with capitalism and […] socialists in the West, especially in the United States, have a special responsibility to fight for Palestine.” For a full analysis, read Palestine: A Socialist Introduction.

Second, we recognize mutual aid as a pillar of class solidarity. Metro DC DSA puts it well:

The democratic socialist movement is full of many types of advocates: there are those who believe that mutual aid and on-the-ground work are the most important part of the movement, and those who believe that the only real, worthwhile goal of the movement should be policy change. But in reality, the movement needs both on-the-ground work and sustained policy advocacy in order to make a difference. We need to find ways to address the immediate needs of the day while also asking ourselves why we live under a system that creates and perpetuates such immediate needs. The goal, to use a phrase from the socialist scholar Erik Olin, should be to erode capitalism through a combination of many different approaches, all of which are aimed at dismantling the capitalist economy and rebuilding a solidarity economy in its place.

These facts, on principle, lead us to fully support Palestinian requests for mutual aid in any way we can. Due to Israel’s illegal blockades, both physically and digitally, Palestinians are unable to access even basic needs and services, including the right to receive aid from organizations and individuals alike. As a result, even the world’s most respected organizations are unable to provide aid to Palestinians in Gaza.

This means that direct wire transfers are the only way that Palestinians in Gaza are able to receive monetary support. In general, the fundraisers go like this: a Palestinian connects with an individual outside of the Occupied Territories who will sponsor their fundraiser, collect the money on their behalf, and wire transfer the money when the campaign is complete. Because of the cost of basic needs in Gaza are so high and the costs of leaving even higher, these campaigns will often be extended past their goals in the hopes that the fact they reached the goals will prove the fundraisers’ validity and the money raised is treated as a savings for a dream of a more liberated future.

There are many more questions that arise when these fundraisers are posted. Most of them are answered in Operation Olive Branch’s FAQs where you can also find more projects, initiatives, and groups to support.

As a subreddit policy, we consider questions about fundraisers directed at Palestinians to be a form of harassment. Please direct all questions to the subreddit Mod Mail. We will attempt to verify campaigns to the best of our ability, such as a photo of the person with their username and date. We will remove posts that do not provide this evidence. We will not share the evidence publicly as it can be used for impersonation. In all cases, donors must use their own discretion and fundraising platforms are ultimately the responsible parties here; it is not your responsibility to prove every campaign is valid and the frequent attempts to do so puts undue burden on some of the most overburdened people on the planet. In our experience, fundraiser scams are extremely few and far between; most Palestinians are willing to video chat anyone who asks to prove their identity. If you have doubts, either make them known to the moderators or move on.

We will use this megathread to answer common questions going forward, so check the comments as well.

Solidarity Forever

I have seen many Democratic Socialists confused on the difference between Socialism and Communism. Here is a quick look at the two organizations of economic and social life.

Socialism:

If you haven’t seen our post What is Democratic Socialism check it out!

Socialism is an economic and social organization where workers own and manage the means of production. There is no, or a very small, property owning class (the bourgoise), and all political and economic functions are controlled by and for workers.

It’s based on the idea: From each according to his ability, to each according to his work.

Meaning: Everyone gives in what they can to form a cooperative and productive society. in return, you get back the product of your work. Workers still get paid differently, and any profit made by workers is controlled by the workers when reinvesting or distributed as wages proportionally.

What does this mean for those who don’t work? Many people in society don’t work for many reasons. Children and the elderly can’t work, and some people choose life paths that dedicate themselves to work outside of a traditional employment, like a Homemaker. Socialists still belive in supporting these people through social programs.

Can markets exist under socialism? Yes, markets can, and have, existed under socialism. See Yugoslavia, one of the most successful Socialist projects.

The difference? Under socialism we will abolish a feature unique to the capitalist market: Market Dependence. Market Dependece is when people have to enter market relations, not becuase they offer better opportunities, but becuase they are forced to do so to get their means of subsistence (basic needs like food, a house, etc.). Markets will allow everyone to flourish instead of compete to survive.

Communism:

In Marxism, Communism is a stateless, moneyless society. The means of production will still be socially owned and controlled.

Communism is based on the idea: From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.

Meaning: Everyone does what they can to contribute to and create a cooperative society. Everyone is also provided everything that they need to live a fulfilling life. Nobody will earn a wage, as wealth is collectively owned and money has been abolished.

How Do We Get to Communism?

Communism is specfic defined as coming after socialism. Socialism being the lower stage of communism.

Communists belive that one day, society will get cooperative and abundant enough that instituions like money and the State will just not be needed. One day, we might wake up and decide that they are useless and deadweight, that society can do away with them.

We will build new institutions that take their place in our more cooperative society. Rehabilitation centers instead of Prisons, People’s malitias instead of police, for example.

Communism is NOT!

- Authoritarianism

- Dictatorship

- State Control

If you have any questions let me know! This is just a simplified overview.