🍉 VanGran4Pal Community Newsletter
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**Neighbours and Friends, **
Many of us marked Nakba Remembrance Day on May 15, some of us for the very first time. Through connecting with our neighbours, we are learning about what is happening in Palestine today and also about the history of the ongoing colonization, ethnic cleaning, and dispossession faced by Palestinians for over 76 years. But Nakba Day is not only a day of mourning but a day of recommitting to the freedom of Palestine. At this time of grief, we continue to build a powerful and dedicated community. Joining the VanGran Whatsapp chat means we do not have to feel alone or disconnected. Community members are dedicating countless hours to organizing events, showing up at rallies, and supporting the student encampments. This week’s newsletter highlights our community’s activism across the city and shares upcoming events. We hope you will join us in our neighbourhoods this summer as we demand safety, freedom and justice for Palestinians.
Action Updates
On May 14, members of our community gathered outside Vancouver City Hall to protest the city’s decision to illuminate City Hall and the Burrard Street Bridge in blue and white to celebrate Israel’s 76th Independence Day. The city’s decision to celebrate Israel, when it is committing genocide in Gaza, and in a week when Israel has closed the Rafah border, blocked humanitarian aid, and continued bombing innocent Palestinians with impunity, is deplorable. Because Israel’s independence is itself based on the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian people in the Nakba, the city’s decision to celebrate this day also shows support for colonization and ethnic cleansing. Protesters disrupted the light display with projections that said “Stop Gaza Genocide” and “Free Palestine.”
Students across Turtle Island continue to stand in solidarity with Palestine, holding strong at peaceful encampments on university campuses across the continent. At UBC in so-called Vancouver over the past week, students are striving to centre Rafah in the public consciousness with various direct actions, including sit-ins at the UBC bookstore and Koerner Library, a rally commemorating the ongoing Nakba, and a vigil at the alumni centre honouring victims of Israel's genocide. The encampment is a vital space for Palestinian students, community members and their allies to grieve, share knowledge, and stand together in struggle. Support from the community in the form of donations, hot meals, visits and advocacy are met with immense gratitude. Keep up with the encampment and learn how you can help support the students, and Palestine, by following the students on instagram @peoplesuniversityubc.
Upcoming Events
Free Coffee, Free Palestine
Monday, May 20 10 AM - 12 PM
Granville & 14th Plaza (community space next to Meinhardt)
Bring your own mug encouraged! Cash donations will be accepted for the UBC student encampment.
An informal gathering to meet your neighbours, learn about local initiatives for Palestine, and how to get involved. This is a family friendly event with activities for kids.
Community Film Fest & Art Build for Palestine
Sunday, May 26, 11 AM - 4:30 PM
At the Birdhouse, 44 W 4th Ave
Tickets $15 (pay what you can available at the door)
Click here to reserve a ticket and for details: https://tinyurl.com/3dtde35r
Masks strongly encouraged
All proceeds will be donated to local Palestinian families as they work to get their families out of Gaza.
Community Spotlight
SIDIKI, a community member, wrote the song **“We Sea” **a few years ago when he was contemplating how we are connected and need to show each other compassion and understanding.
He says:
“I have been extremely grateful to have met the members of our community, a diverse group of wonderful people who have come together in support of the Palestinians not because we are Palestinian nor even Arab but because we are human, and are unwilling to stand by and do nothing as members of our extended family suffer. For all of you in our community and those who feel as we do, this song is for you. Thank you for being who you are.”
Contribute to the Newsletter
Do you have something you would like to share with your neighbours? We welcome submissions of all kinds — stories, poems, art, and event info. Simply reply to this email to send in your contribution.
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With gratitude and in solidarity,
Your Neighbours
Van Gran 4 Palestine
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