In solidarity with the Global Sumud Flotilla which launches this week in a bid to break the Israeli naval blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, Billy Bragg releases a new song for Palestine.
‘Hundred Year Hunger’ looks at the current famine that Israel has created in Gaza through the lens of a century of enforced food insecurity and malnutrition imposed on the Palestinian people, firstly by British imperialism, then as a weapon of mass displacement by the state of Israel.
It takes its title from the recent book of the same name by E Mark Windle.
Sumud is an Arabic word which translates into English as steadfastness or perseverance. It is used by Palestinians to describe their nonviolent everyday resistance against Israel’s occupation. Sumud emphasises the commitment of the Palestinian people to remain on their land despite hardship and oppression, elevating their everyday existence into a form of resistance.
Lan narhal translates as ‘we will not leave’. Together ‘Sumud! Sumud! Lan narhal’ conveys the determination of the Palestinian people to refuse to be displaced.
Hundred Year Hunger (words and music Billy Bragg)
Recorded at Echo Town Studio, Dorset
Billy Bragg – guitar and vocals
JJ Stoney – keyboards and backing vocals
Engineered, recorded and mixed by Jamie Parker
New Music United 