A Dutch investigation found seven internationally renowned Holocaust and genocide experts, including Israelis, concluded Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide, despite a campaign of denial and disinformation from the US state, writes TERRY HANSEN

ON October 28 1938, as 300,000 Spaniards crowded the streets of Barcelona to bid farewell to the International Brigade, Major Sam Wild watched from a balcony as George Fletcher led the English-speaking XV Brigade in the farewell parade.
The 57th (British) Battalion marched at the front, followed by the 58th (Lincoln) Battalion, the 59th (Spanish) Battalion and then the 60th (Mackenzie-Papineau) Battalion took up the rear as they were the last battalion to be formed.
The men marched on a carpet of flowers under a shower of paper strips, and women rushed from the crowds lining the route to hug and kiss the marching men. Dolores Ibarruri (La Pasionaria) addressed the International Brigade volunteers, saying: “We shall not forget you; and, when the olive tree of peace is in flower, entwined with the victory laurels of the Republic of Spain — return!”

This year will see a new north-east commemoration – in Sunderland – where all are welcome to join us in tribute to those who died defending democracy in the Spanish civil war, says TONY FOX

TONY FOX highlights some of the activities of the newly founded North East Branch of the National Association of Italian Partisans

The annual commemoration of anti-fascist volunteers who fought fascism in Spain now includes a key contribution from Italian comrades
