🍉 VanGran4Pal Community Newsletter (May 29, 2026)

Introduction

Dear neighbours and friends,

We've been watching these past couple of weeks the decimation of schools, hospitals, paramedics, and the continued ethnic cleansing of villages in Southern Lebanon by the IOF. At the same time we've also been witnessing the horrific bombings happening in Gaza where we are seeing the destruction of human life in the most violent of ways. Palestinians are trying to survive under unimaginable conditions, including newly reported rat infestations taking over tents, spreading disease and causing immense harm towards a population that is simply trying to live.

While it's been difficult to get even a modicum of coverage of this, people are still risking their lives and their careers to keep sharing and reporting on the ongoing genocide of Palestinians and the ongoing ethnic cleansing of Southern Lebanon.

And with that, we are reminded, once again, why our work has to continue. In this edition of our newsletter there are plenty of actions you can take. Your voice is still needed. Your support is still paramount. We hope you continue to speak out, protest, boycott, and take action.

Free Palestine

Actions you can take

Expose the Harassment Campaign Against Canadian journalists over coverage Israel's war crimes

This is one of the oldest playbooks. Attack the truth tellers and silence journalists. Fascism thrives on the criminalization of dissent.

HonestReportingCanada (HRC) is just one of the many actors in Canada doing this to cover up Israel's war crimes. Any journalist writing about about Israel, the genocide in Gaza, and Palestinian rights is a target.

A new action alert by HRC was issued on May 4 targeting Nora Loreto, one of Canada’s most prominent freelance journalists and sought after social movement authors and speakers.

Nora’s supposed crime? Reporting about Canada's investment in Israel's war crimes and the staggering death count in Gaza on her own podcast. HRC believed that the podcast segment was aired on Radio-Canada and mobilized complaints towards the public broadcaster’s French-language service.

This HRC action alert is one of dozens every week organizing pro-Isreal supporters to pressure media outlets that hire respected journalists like Nora. Their strategy is part of a sophisticated and well financed campaign to silence the truth.

This is why independent media matters. And why we’ve launched this campaign.

It’s time to turn the tables and uncover the money and influence that allows organizations like HRC to operate with near impunity in Canada.

Your donations will fund an investigative journalist to uncover the truth and research the web of funders and influence that scaffold these intimidation campaigns. The truth and transparency matter.

This campaign is being managed by the Sandy & Nora Talk Politics podcast, one of Canada’s leading political podcasts.

David Suzuki and The Suzuki Foundation Must Stop Greenwashing Israel's Crimes

David Suzuki is scheduled to speak at a forum initiated by the explicitly racist Jewish National Fund.

One of the two individuals likely spurring Suzuki’s involvement is Liberal party fundraising chair Stephen Bronfman. Incredibly, Bronfman has been on the board of the Suzuki Foundation for 30 years. Bronfman’s foundation — the Claudine And Stephen Bronfman Family Foundation — has donated nearly $6.1 million to the Suzuki Foundation since 2000.

The Suzuki Foundation has also received significant funding from the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal and the Gerald Schwartz & Heather Reisman Foundation, two pro-Israel charities that support Israel’s illegal occupation. Bronfman is also a Director at the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal. Three other charities, of which Bronfman is a board member, have donated over $80,000 to the Suzuki Foundation.

Please email the well-known environmentalist to ask him to withdraw from an event instigated by an organization that had its charitable status revoked for assisting the Israeli military and supporting illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Tell CPPIB You Refuse to Allow Your Money to Be Invested in Genocide, Apartheid, and War Crimes

For the seventh consecutive year, we have analyzed Canada Pension Plan Investment Board’s (CPPIB) investments. As of 31 March 2026 (fiscal year end 2025/2026), CPPIB had over $54 billion invested in 120 companies complicit in Israel’s genocide, war crimes, and apartheid. This represents 6.9% of CPPIB’s total holdings in 25/26.

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is the Canadian national social insurance plan (with the exception of Quebec which has CDPQ). CPP is funded through contributions from employees, employers, and self-employed individuals – aka, the residents of Canada. CPP “provides income replacement to contributors and their families in the event of retirement, disability or death.” CPP funds are managed by the CPP Investment Board (CPPIB) which focuses on “maximizing long-term returns without undue risk of loss.” In other words, CPPIB decides how to invest the contributions of millions of individuals in Canada.

CPPIB has a total of $54.8 billion worth of complicit investments.This includes 8 companieslistedon the UN Database — 3 US companies (Airbnb, Booking Holdings,and Motorola Soutions) and 5 Israeli companies (Bank Hapoalim, Bank Leumi, Delek Group, Israel Discount Bank, and Mizrahi Tefahot Bank). CPPIB reported investments in 21 complicit companies that did not appear in either the 23/24 or 24/25 annual report. Of these 21 companies, 14 are Israeli companies (66%). The remaining are US (4) and Indian (3) companies. This shows a clear intention to expand investments in Israeli companies that are aiding and assisting Israel’s illegal occupation, genocide, and apartheid.

Over the past 3 years, CPPIB’s complicit investments have increased from $20.3 billion in 23/24, to $31.1 billion in 24/25, and to $54.8 billion in 25/26.

It is more clear than ever that CPPIB will not willingly end its complicity in Israeli war crimes, genocide, and apartheid. We must force them to take action. This year, CPPIB will host itsbi-annual, legally required, stakeholder engagement. They will host meetings in each province this Fall (with the exception of Alberta who already had theirs). That means we have a chance to confront CPP directly,just like we did in 2022 and 2024. If you’re ready to get involved, fill out this form and we’ll be in touch in the coming weeks.

Email CPPIB today! And read the full report here.

Canada, Don’t Do It: Don’t Join Arts-Washing Eurovision

The Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, Iceland, and Slovenia withdrew from Eurovision 2026 because of Israel’s participation. Their broadcasters also boycotted the 2026 contest. This appears to have put the future of the competition under financial pressure. Bringing Canada into the contest may be one way to help offset the loss of participation fees.

“Rumours about a possible Canadian debut [in Eurovision] began circulating last year after a line buried in the federal budget revealed that the government was working with CBC/Radio-Canada to explore participation in Eurovision. Now, the contest’s director has suggested that the idea may not be as far-fetched as it sounds.” Y!Entertainment.

When Eurovision participation was included in the 2025 fall federal budget, two government sources said Prime Minister Mark Carney was personally involved in the initiative. Carney reportedly said, “We want Canadian culture on a global stage.”

At the time, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said, “I think it’s a platform for Canada to shine.” He also said, “This is about protecting our identity — yes, we want to protect our sovereignty, but we also want to support people in the arts sector and film industry so they can shine around the world. We have a lot to offer as Canadians.”

Reports indicate that the CBC, Canada’s public broadcaster, has been in discussions with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) about closer collaboration. A CBC delegation of observers also attended Eurovision 2026 in Vienna.

Amid protests by thousands of demonstrators and a boycott by five countries, Amnesty International Secretary-General Agnes Callamard criticized the EBU for allowing Israel to participate, saying, “The failure of the European Broadcasting Union to suspend Israel from Eurovision, as it did with Russia, is an act of cowardice and an illustration of blatant double standards when it comes to Israel.”

It would be very misguided for Canada and the CBC to join Eurovision, while Israel continues to participate.

Call on Prime Minister Carney, the Canadian government, and the CBC not to join Eurovision.

Boycott Apartheid! Boycott War Crimes! Boycott Genocide!

Petition to Reject Holborn Group’s Proposed Luxury Megaproject

We, the residents of Vancouver, call on City Council to reject Holborn Group’s proposed megaproject at 501-595 W Georgia & 500 Dunsmuir block.

The plan proposes three of the tallest towers in the city (63-storeys, 68-storeys, and 79-storeys) with 1,288 strata units, 273 rentals, and 920 hotel rooms – marketed with the promise of future social housing at 388 Abbott St. We’ve heard that story before.

Holborn has a track record: long-delayed social housing replacement at Little Mountain and neglect of Dunsmuir House, a former SRO deemed unsafe and ordered demolished by the city.

Council may fast-track this decision ahead of the next election. This project should not be rushed through. It fails Vancouver on key issues:

• AFFORDABILITY: This plan prioritizes luxury units and hotel space – not housing for average people. Vancouver needs genuinely affordable homes and workforce housing, not more high-end supply.
• TAXPAYER DOLLARS SQUANDERED: Under a city bylaw, Holborn could be on the hook for as much as $50 million as a condition for demolishing 167 SRO units at Dunsmuir House; however, the developer has disputed this. And despite receiving a $211 million interest free loan from the province in 2008, it has taken nearly two decades for Holborn to meet its obligations to replace social housing at Little Mountain.
• SOCIAL HOUSING FIRST: No more promises. Deliver social housing upfront—not after building luxury residences.
• SCALE & PRECEDENT: Approving this would weaken existing height and planning policies, opening the door to more supertall luxury projects.
• DISPLACEMENT: Existing small businesses on the site would be pushed out.
• DEMOCRATIC PROCESS: Council must not rush approval before the election. Residents deserve a full, transparent review and a real voice in this project.

Let’s stop shaping our city for billionaires. We want developments that serve regular working people, not wealthy investors. We urge City Hall to reject this proposal.

Upcoming Events

Anti FIFA Art Build | June 4

Date & Location
📅 June 4, 2026
⏰ 5:00 - 8:00 PM
📍1943 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1T5 (enter through alley)

About
Drop in for a series of art builds to create anti-FIFA art to decorate the city and learn about how FIFA is setting the stage for increased surveillance, state violence and gentrification. ⚽️ No to FIFA, no to gentrification! Bring your supplies, creativity & your comrades. Connect w/ each other, learn about the city’s FIFA plans + how it connects to Gaza! Different activities for each art build date! Some supplies will be available for banner painting, screen printing, block printing, etc. But bring supplies to share.

Apartheid-Free Turns 3: How Communities Across Turtle Island are Cutting Ties with Israeli Apartheid | June 6

Date & Location
📅 June 6, 2026
⏰ 9:00 - 10:30 AM
📍Virtual
💲Free

About
Join Apartheid-Free Communities for an inspiring event of movement-building and story-telling. Learn about how multiple communities across Turtle Island are living into the pledge - from student groups and businesses, to faith groups and congregations. 

In commemoration of the initiative's birthday, join Apartheid-Free Communities for a webinar highlighting some of our newest communities living out the pledge and leading campaigns to end Israeli apartheid. Apartheid-Free leaders will discuss what’s been working well, what they’re learning, and how we can continue to work together for an apartheid-free Palestine.

Participants will have time to ask questions and find inspiration for their own Apartheid-Free efforts.

Come learn, share, and help us grow the movement for a world free of apartheid.

[If registering from a non-U.S. address, you can use the zip code 19102.]

Break The Chains: Ending Israel’s Illegal Detention of Palestinian Health Care Workers | June 9

Date & Location
📅 June 9, 2026
⏰ 7:00 - 8:30 PM
📍Virtual
💲10 - Free tickets available

About
BC Physicians Against Genocide is inviting you to a virtual panel “Break The Chains: Ending Israel’s Illegal Detention of Palestinian Health Care Workers” taking place on Tuesday June 9th at 7:00 – 8:30PM.

We will be hearing first-hand accounts of Palestinian health care workers (HCW) who were illegally detained in Israeli prisons during the ongoing genocide. They will describe their first-hand experience and the stories of their detained colleagues, including Dr. Hussam Abu Safieh, 400 HCW abducted since Oct 7th, 2023, over 83 of whom remain arbitrarily detained in Israeli prisons to this day. One of the speakers currently works to advocate for these colleagues and their families as they await the release of their loved ones.Proceeds from this event will go to supporting this work.

The health care workers will be joined by Dr. Samah Jabr. Dr. Jabr, is a consultant psychiatrist practicing in Palestine, serving communities in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, and the former Head of the Mental Health Unit within the Palestinian Ministry of Health. She is an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at George Washington University in Washington DC. Dr. Jabr is the author of many books, including her most recent Radiance in Pain and Resilience. Dr. Jabr, will highlight the Istanbul Protocol. This protocol focuses on the effective investigation into and documentation of torture and ill-treatment to ensure the collected evidence will be considered by the International Courts of Justice. Dr. Jabr will also elaborate about what solidarity could look like through the lens of Palestinian health care workers.

Canadian Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Deirdre Nunan, who has spent nearly 2 years working in Gaza, including having worked there on 3 occasions, will be sharing about the status of the international health care organizations and the restrictions they have been facing. Dr. Nunan has spent much of the past decade working in international humanitarian contexts, including Africa, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Central Asia.

In addition, we will be joined by a representative of Amnesty International (TBD) who will give an overview of Israel’s illegal detention and ill-treatment of Palestinian health care workers.

Community Spotlights

On May 23, 2026 I joined over 100 like-minded individuals at Waterfront Station to protest (organized by @no.ai.vancouver) against the building of not one but two data centres. Data centres to power AI have been cropping up all over Canada. The dangers of these data centres to our environment, to our communities, and to our health have been well-documented, and it's imperative for us to resist building these massive structures anywhere.

While I was very much encouraged by the folks that joined, there were a few observations I took away from the protest.

First, there were not a lot of people who made connections to these data centres, who's trying to accelerate them, AI, and the relationship to the genocide in Palestine.

Second, this protest had practically zero police oversight. Unlike the protests about Palestine, these group of individuals were able to march freely, and even take over Granville St bridge heading southbound. The Palestinian movement continues to be over-policed and discriminated against, and the contradiction was on full display at this protest.

It was a stark reminder of the work we still need to do to not only fight for Palestine, but to fight against anti-Palestinian racism here in so-called Vancouver.

~H

Book Club

Let This Radicalize You by Kelly Hayes and Mariame Kaba

What fuels and sustains activism and organizing when it feels like our worlds are collapsing? Let This Radicalize You is a practical and imaginative resource for activists and organizers building power in an era of destabilization and catastrophe.

Longtime organizers and movement educators Mariame Kaba and Kelly Hayes examine some of the political lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the convergence of mass protest and mass formations of mutual aid, and consider what this confluence of power can teach us about a future that will require mass acts of care, rescue and defense, in the face of both state violence and environmental disaster.

The book is an assemblage of co-authored reflections, interviews and questions that are intended to aid and empower activists and organizers as they attempt to map their own journeys through the work of justice-making. It includes insights from a spectrum of experienced organizers, including Sharon Lungo, Carlos Saavedra, Ejeris Dixon, Barbara Ransby, and Ruth Wilson Gilmore about some of the difficult and joyous lessons they have learned in their work.