We stand for peace.
We commit to use our platforms, our networks and all the effort we can muster to amplify Palestinian voices, educate, and call for peace.
There is a genocide occurring in Gaza right now. 2.2 million Palestinian civilians, almost half of whom are children, are prisoners, trapped without food, water, fuel or electricity.
More bombs have been dropped in 10 days than in the entirety of the Afghanistan war, on an area smaller than London.
And politicians across Canada and the world refuse to acknowledge it, let alone demand a ceasefire and loudly say, FREE PALESTINE. Apartheid must end. We need Peace.
We all know what genocide is. Many of us have spoken up against it and have worked toward Truth and Reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across Turtle Island. But for some reason, we cannot see the the plight of Palestinians the same. We refuse.
The entire population of Gaza cannot be held responsible for the crimes of Hamas. The answer to killing civilians cannot be to kill more civilians. Killing children isn't self-defence.
The civilian deaths from Hamas' attacks are an unacceptable consequence of 75 years of unacceptable conditions, part of an attack that is neither unprovoked nor justifiable.
Israel needs to be held accountable for its decades of crimes against humanity, crimes that have put Palestinians in a position where violent retribution and death feels like justice.
For decades, civilians in Gaza have lived under a suffocating blockade and have been subjected to routine massacres, bombings, and restrictions on electricity, medical attention. In the past year, Palestinians have been targeted by Israel's most right-wing government in its history.
We call on Canada to demand a ceasefire immediately. But that is not enough to guarantee a more hopeful future for everyone in occupied Palestine. Israeli apartheid, occupation and settler colonialism are the underlying issues that must be addressed in order to move towards a future for the region where all can thrive.
#FreePalestine 🇵🇸❤️
How to support Palestinians
We can ALL do something today to help the people of Gaza. The list below gives some places to start...
1) Join community groups on Instagram + Facebook
Canadian Solidarity with Palestine
Independent Jewish Voices (IJV) Canada
Independent Jewish Voices (IJV) London
@ijvcanada
LondonOn4Palestine
The Canadian Palestinian Social Association (CPSA)
@cpsa_london
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East
@cjpmeofficial
2) Donate
Below are two good places to start. There are more options, too.
Islamic Relief Gaza Appeal
Glia Gaza Appeal
3) Attend rallies. Call & email local politicians.
Watch out for news of protests being organized this weekend.
Pick up the phone & call your MP! If every Canadian did this, the government would have no choice but to change its murderous policy of supporting US & Israeli aggression.
The CPSA Facebook group has a recent post with politicians' contact details & a sample script you can use when you call them.
4) Educate yourself. Speak up. Don't lose hope.
Follow social media accounts of people on the ground in Gaza. Amplify their voices. Talk to your friends & family. Share, retweet, post. This is the first genocide to be live-streamed on social media. Refuse to be silent, speak loudly against genocide & apartheid.
Across the globe, citizens are horrified that our governments are not only letting this tragedy unfold but actively supporting the slaughter of innocent civilians. Let's prove that the world together, united, can overcome the forces of vengeance, hatred and fear, that together we are strong and powerful & can chart a brighter course for humanity.
#FreePalestine 🇵🇸❤️
Moving forwards, expect our @reimagine.co Instagram feed & stories to be a platform for education, dialogue, & calls for justice & peace.
On our @reimaginegroceries Instagram account we will continue to share content related to waste reduction, grocery offerings, events, & occasional political posts.