🍉 VanGran4Pal Community Newsletter
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**Neighbours and Friends, **
This week we want to talk to you about the federal election that is coming up for Canada. We are living in perhaps the scariest and most divided time that most of us have lived through, and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by fear. It can seem impossible to live by your values in oppressive and broken systems. We’re going to do our best to give you some things to consider and some sources to help. As a community, let’s talk to each other, let’s avoid hate, and let’s get through this!
Firstly, we need to speak to the facts. Our current electoral system is first past the post. This means that our government does not end up representing the true political diversity of our country. This leads to greater polarization, less collaboration, and people forced into strategic voting, amongst other problems. You can learn more about our current voting system, why it is broken, and the path to an alternative system as used by stronger democracies around the world, by visiting Fair Vote Canada. Advocating for electoral reform beyond this election is one concrete step we can take to avoid such scary polarization in years to come. Which leads to the next fact. No amount of campaigning for proportional representation is going to change what our reality is: for this upcoming federal election, the first past the post system is what we have. The polls shows what likely outcomes are.
This leads us to the voters’ dilemma. This may be one of the most important elections that we vote in, taking place in an extremely polarized global climate. We understand that striving for perfection right now may not be possible, and learning from our neighbours in the U.S., this might be a time that you consider harm reduction. Regardless of what you end up doing in the voting booth, you have a voice outside of this election. We strongly encourage you to think deeply about this election and your civic duty beyond it. To consider likely outcomes, what they mean for this country’s future and those most at risk, and the role you can play in averting disaster.
We want to highlight two other websites for you: firstly, Vote Palestine. This is a simple, non-partisan campaign, pushing for Palestinian rights and freedoms during the federal election. You can reach out to politicians with the platform’s simple demands, and see which politicians have signed the pledge. We also want to highlight Smart Voting, which uses polling data to show the strategic voting options for your riding to keep far-right politics at bay. Far-right politics are a very real threat to a great number of people and this is a pivotal moment. We are aware that these two sources may contradict each other, and this is where your own personal research and reflections will determine which path you take. There is still time to apply pressure on your desired candidate to sign the Palestine pledge if they haven’t already. We will all likely be making some very hard choices as we head to the polls. Know that arming yourself with information is the single most important thing you can do before going into the booth; but it is our actions after all is said and done that will define us most. We all have a very real responsibility after the election is over to really step up to the plate and keep pressure on our politicians and elected parties to end the genocide.
Action Updates
Israeli Apartheid Week
Boycott, Divest and Sanction
As Israeli Apartheid Week comes to a close we want to remind everyone to continue to Boycott, Divest, and Sanction! With boycotting on the minds of more canadians due to our colonial government’s will-they-won’t-they tariff war, now is a great time to start conversations with friends and neighbours who may not be aware of the BDS movement.
David Eby’s red state liquor policy could be a great jumping off point to talk about the Ban Israeli Wine Initiative. And why not let the man himself know that if the NDP cares so much about ethical consumption, they should be pulling Israeli wines from BC Liquor Store shelves as well? You can find a call script and contact info on the @banisraeliwinebc and @cpavancouver Instagram pages.
Upcoming Events
March for Yom Al Ard - Saturday March 29th
🗓 Date: Sat March 29th
⏰ Time: 12pm
📍Location: Vancouver Art Gallery
From @alawdavancouver: Join us on March 29 to mark Yom Al Ard:
🌱 Palestinian and Indigenous speakers
🇵🇸 Land-based commemorations to mark Yom Al Ard
⚕️ Medics and Legal Observers on site
😷 Mask up to protect from surveillance and for collective COVID safety
📦 Consider bringing care kits for unhoused neighbours as we march
Yom Al Ard يَوْم اَلْأَرْض is a key commemoration in the Palestinian struggle for land and freedom. The day honours the six Palestinians killed and the hundreds injured by the IOF on March 30, 1976 for resisting land theft in the Galilee, where Israel had ordered the confiscation of around 5,000 acres of Palestinian land.
We invite everyone during the blessed time of Eid 🌙 to join us in the streets of so-called Vancouver, unceded & occupied xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ lands, to commemorate Yom Al Ard and to stand steadfast with the Palestinian people and the Palestinian resistance. Every martyr is a universe. Tell your friends and show up! As our beloved @hossam_shbat said in his final words, "keep fighting, keep telling our stories--until Palestine is free."
For the past 16 months, Gaza has endured a horrific genocide and siege by the Zionist occupation. The Zionist entity has destroyed every hospital in Gaza, reduced entire neighbourhoods to rubble, bombed every mosque and every university, and manufactured a famine.
The Zionist enemy is also continuing its colonial expansion in the West Bank and the rest of occupied Palestine. The past 16 months have laid bare the lies of western liberalism and democracy, and millions of people are mobilizing, taking action, and boycotting for liberation. Though we despair, we must endure in the imperialist core. Turtle Island and Palestine, and all colonized people, will be free within our lifetimes. 🔻
Dance Dabkeh - Sunday March 30th
🗓 Date: Sun March 30th
**⏰ Time: 3-5pm **
📍Location: 207 W Hastings St
From @canadabkeh: Join us for a ✨ 2-hour open-level Dabkeh Workshop ✨ led by Canadabkeh! 🇵🇸💃🏽
Learn the fundamentals of dabkeh footwork & a short choreographic phrase—all while celebrating cultural resistance through dance.
📍 Co-organized by local dance artists in solidarity with Palestinian liberation ❤️🔥
Don’t miss it!
Great Ride of Return - Sunday March 30th
🗓 Date: Sun March 30th
**⏰ Time: 12.30pm-2pm **
📍Location: Science World
Grab your bike and join the great ride of return with @vanbike4palestine! Meeting at Science world on Sunday 30th March at 12.30pm.
If it is within your means, we will be collecting $10 cash donations, which will be donated directly to the @gazasunbirds - or you can check our linktree and make a donation there! Riders with cash in hand or proof of donation will receive a one-off custom sticker, and another surprise from one of our dedicated community members!
🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸✊🍉✊🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸
Parents 4 Palesine Events - March 30th & April 26th
🗓 Date: March 30th & April 26th
⏰ Time: 4-7pm & 1-3pm
📍 Location: Given upon registration
**Register at **bit.ly/P4PWorkshopsFrom @parentsforpalestineyvr: Join Parents for Palestine and engage with community to raise funds that uplift Palestinian communities while learning cook or embroider or paint. Let’s celebrate Palestinian culture and come together to make a lasting impact.
Seedy Sunday - March 30th
🗓 Date: March 30th
⏰ Time: 1-3pm
📍 Location: Trinity Grace United Church, 803 East 16thRSVP here
Join us for a special Seedy Sunday event where we'll work together on our community garden while commemorating Palestine Land Day.
This gathering combines gardening, community building, and cultural awareness. We will have Palestinian-themed food and seeds. Land Day commemorates the historical connection of Palestinians to their land and recognizes ongoing land access challenges.
Event Details:
Activities: Garden preparation, soil topping, seed exchange
What to Bring: Seeds for exchange, shovels if you have them
Provided: Seed packets, lunch featuring Levantine cuisine
Arab Arts & Culture Festival - April 5th & 6th
** 🗓 April 5th & 6th**
📍112 W Hastings & 639 Commercial Dr
**⭐️ **Tickets available here
From @vancouverarabevents:
🌸✨ ARABEEKEND: Arab Arts & Culture Festival ✨🌸
PiNK PA*LETT & Centaur are bringing you a weekend celebrating Arab arts and culture through music, poetry, food, workshops, local art, clothing, and community. Two unique events, one incredible weekend!
1️⃣ 🌸 SATURDAY – SPRING SOUK
🗓 April 5, 2025
⏰ 12:00pm - 6:00pm
📍 112 W Hastings St.
🎟 $15 | Ticket link in bio
A vibrant Arab market featuring local vendors selling art, sweets, food, clothing, and more! Plus, don’t miss:
💃 Intro to Bellydancing Workshop
🎶 Intro to Arab Instruments Workshop
Support local Arab artists, shop unique finds, and enjoy a day of culture!
2️⃣ 🌸 SUNDAY – WE TEACH LIFE
🗓 April 6, 2025
⏰ Doors 5:00pm - Show 6:30pm
📍 York Theatre, The Cultch (639 Commercial Dr.)
🎟 $26.30+ | Ticket link in bio
A powerful Palestine fundraiser featuring:
🎤 Poetry by Rafeef Ziadah
🎶 Live music by Dafa Band & oud performance by Mouhannad El E’ek
🛍 Local Arab art vendors before the show
Join us for an unforgettable weekend of art, music, and community! Stay tuned for vendor announcements.
🩷 Come for the culture, stay for the connections! 🩷
Art Auction for Gaza - April 1st-26th
** 🗓 Starting April 1st online**
📍Online from April 1st and in person at Kasko Gallery on April 26th
**⭐️ **More information and online auction here
From @art4gaza:
We’re brimming with excitement in sharing the list of artists participating in this auction, starting April 1! It’s a stellar lineup with so many incredible works.
An online and in-person art auction supporting the efforts of the Sameer Project and Grassroots G*za, two Pal3stinian-led non-profits working towards humanitarian aid and rebuilding in G<3za. With an incredible array of works from both emerging and established artists located on the west coast of Canada/Turtle Island, we hope that you will consider bidding while collectively bringing relief to those who are living in very difficult circumstances.
Open for Online Bidding: April 1-26, 2025
In-Person Bidding and Auction Closing: Saturday April 26, 2-6 pm
Kasko Gallery, 560 Clark Dr, Vancouver, BC
Link to view the online auction here - full artist list and auction launching April 1 🫒
Donation Campaign of the Week
**Connecting Gaza Mutual Aid **
The Connecting Gaza mutual aid and support team has been continuing to support ~15 families in dire need across Gaza. Last week, one of the families with three small children lost their last few belongings all over again when their tent was bombed by Israel. The group is fundraising to get blankets and a new tent for this family. Our other families continue to shelter in place and we are striving to relay essential supplies to them safely and securely.
In addition, community members have been supporting a small, low/no-cost pharmacy in North Gaza get up and running. The needs of residents in North Gaza have escalated even more now with the significant increase in Israeli aggression, and the pharmacy needs funds to continue providing its vital services. Learn more about this initiative here.
For either of these fundraising efforts, you can donate here, or etransfer directly to our community leader heading up the effort, Rabbi David Mivasair, at david@mivasair.com. Please indicate if your donation is for the pharmacy or the Gazan families. Thank you so much.
Community Spotlight
Connecting Gaza
Today for our community spotlight we are again highlighting this request from within the community - the Connecting Gaza project is expanding their reach and looking for some support to keep up their important work.
The Connecting Gaza project helps families in Gaza with microfinancing, medical aid triaging and emotional support. They are currently looking for a motivated social media whiz to help them highlight the project’s many successes and ongoing needs of families on the ground. If you are interested and able to volunteer 1-3 hours per week to help with this initiative, please email them through the contact form at www.connectinggaza.org/contact
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With gratitude and in solidarity,
Your Neighbours
Van Gran 4 Palestine
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