🍉 VanGran4Pal Community Newsletter
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**Neighbours and Friends, **
VanGran is organizing to demand a full and immediate arms embargo on Israel. Over 40 MPs are supporting the arms embargo, but Taleeb Noormohamed is not one of them - yet. Please** join the actions,** flood MPs’ offices with demands and post on social media to raise our collective voices for an arms embargo.
In recent weeks, community members who have engaged in activism have also been met with arrests and police brutality including police violence towards pregnant women, mothers, and Indigenous Elders. On Friday, May 31, activists shut down a CN rail crossing for over 3 hours to draw attention to the genocide in Gaza. Parents for Palestine YVR laid out 303 children’s outfits along the railway to memorialize the over 15,000 Palestinian children and babies that have been killed by Israel. Police violence towards peaceful protesters is concerning and unacceptable.
It takes courage to stand up for a Free Palestine and this community delivers with actions, advocacy, support for each other, and so much more. In these tough times, we are so heartened to know our community of conscience is strong and growing.
Action Updates
Arms Embargo Now Campaign
On June 13th, Van Gran 4 Pal, along with numerous other ridings all across Canada, joined together to apply pressure to those MPs who have yet to publicly support a bilateral arms embargo on Israel. While approximately 20 MPs from the Liberal Party have supported an arms embargo, Taleeb continues to refrain from any meaningful actions. Our action began with assembling near Taleeb’s office with our Van Gran speakers eloquently reviewing the differences between the NDP motion which was passed in the House of Commons in March** **and our current demands. The NDP motion only applies to selling weapons to Israel but does not hinder Canada from purchasing weapons systems from Israel that have been "battle tested" on Palestinian civilians. Other actions included poetry readings as well as writing messages and creating a banner to be delivered to Taleeb. We proceeded to march to his office to deliver said banner and letters but were blocked by several police officers. Ultimately, one of Taleeb’s staff members addressed our group stating that Taleeb was not in the office but the letters and banner would be passed on to him. We were proud to join the June 13th Day of Action with other communities across Canada and hope that Taleeb will recognize the importance of this issue to his constituents and join his colleagues in supporting a complete arms embargo on Israel.
Solidarity Circles for Palestine
Continuing our Solidarity Circles for our local community, Van Gran 4 Pal was heartened to support our Palestinian families and allied activists in a sombre, private gathering on June 2nd. The attendees used this opportunity to vocalize the emotions and thoughts weighing heavy on their hearts lately. After the circle, our organizers led everyone in a creative writing exercise, held and supported by each other. If you are seeking community to share your feelings with in a safe and welcoming environment, we welcome you to register for our next Solidarity Circle on June 30th at 6 pm in Coquitlam. Full event details at this link and below.
Upcoming Events
Movie Night at the UBC People’s University for Gaza
Sunday, June 16, MacInnes Field, UBC Campus at 6:30pm. Viewing held under a canopy, blankets available. Free Admission. Masks Required.
Join the People’s University for Gaza at UBC and Free Palestine BC for a special screening** of the newly released documentary ‘**Where the Olive Trees Weep,’ a beautiful, poignant and heartbreaking film about the struggles and resilience of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. It explores themes of loss, trauma, and the quest for justice. It also features Dr. Gabor Maté as he offers trauma-healing work to a group of Palestinian women tortured in Israeli prisons.
Solidarity Circle for Palestine - Potluck
Sunday June 30 at 6-9 pm, Coquitlam. Register here. Location shared after registration which is free and required.
Join us for an informal community circle of organizers, neighbours, & parents to build solidarity and hold space for collective grief during the ongoing genocide in Gaza. This solidarity circle will start with a brief potluck dinner! Bring a simple dish to share if you are able to.
This gathering is intended for the local Palestinian community and human rights activists that are devoting themselves for the liberation of Palestine and for ending the evils of settler colonialism from Turtle Island to Palestine.
هذا التجمع مخصص للمجتمع الفلسطيني المحلي ، ونشطاء حقوق الانسان الذين يكرسون انفسهم لتحرير فلسطين وانهاء الاستعمار من ترتل ايلند لفلسطين
Please wear a mask and stay home if unwell. This Circle is NOT wheelchair accessible - please see event details to attend the next accessible Solidarity Circle. Gender-neutral washrooms on site. Please refrain from wearing scents or heavy perfumes. Child activities on site for those who wish to bring their little ones.
Mujaddarah Fundraiser at Tamam: Fine Palestinian Cuisine
Sunday, June 23, 1-5 pmTamam: Fine Palestinian Cuisine, 2616 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC
Come and eat Mujaddarah and donate to the people of Gaza. The goal is to raise $100k and so far $91k has been raised. Please come and support reaching our goal to raise funds and build a community that spreads hope.
Community Spotlight
The beautiful summer days are here. Many of us will find ourselves out on the seawall, at the beaches, and on adventures all along this westward coast. At sunsets, I find myself wondering about what the setting sun looks like from the beaches of Gaza. I put my toes in sand and think of the children of Gaza for whom the beach is still a place of joy. I see the waves and think of those who have lost their lives trying to collect aid from the waters. I wish the sky over the ocean would bring the people of Gaza serenity too, and not the fear of war planes raining destruction. I see the sailboats and dream of the day the siege breaks. I wonder how so much beauty can exist in the same moment as the barbarity of bombs. ~ Humera
Contribute to the Newsletter
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With gratitude and in solidarity,
Your Neighbours
Van Gran 4 Palestine
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