28 Feb 2025 6 min read

🍉 VanGran4Pal Community Newsletter

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**Neighbours and Friends, **

Firstly we want to highlight that our action update this week is an economic boycott everyone can very easily do and it’s happening TODAY - scroll down for details!

This week, we have been thinking about connections. The vicious intentions and words of politicians who desire to ‘relocate’ the population of Gaza shows that they do not understand the strength of connections that are rooted in love, not hate. These connections bolster a resistance movement: from the Palestinian people’s connection to their land to the world’s connection to their cause. United through connections we are strong, as expertly expressed by Omar Barghouti (co-founder of the BDS movement) in this interview.

Our community spotlight this week has some excellent further reading to reignite your activism for Palestine and arm you with knowledge, because no one is free until we’re all free - and injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

Action Updates

One small action you can take + bonus actions!

Global Economic Boycott - Today, February 28th!

“This is something that everybody can do.

Do not shop online or in-person on February 28th. Do not spend a penny.

If you must, buy from small businesses and use cash!

This is something simple and we can all do it.

We have power. Let's show it. This is a test drive. Who's in?” @Isarsour

And for something else you can do from home - we have also come across a couple of petitions in need of signatures:

Upcoming Events

Tricities rally for Palestine - Every Sunday in Coquitlam

🗓 Date: Every Sunday!

⏰ Time: 3pm

📍Location: Coquitlam City Hall

From @freepalestinetricities: Today’s a good day to renew your commitment to the Palestinian cause. The indiscriminate bombing and killing OF OVER 150 humans during morning prayers by the US-backed IOF must be condemned!

Coquitlam City Hall - 3pm - Today we will link arms in solidarity during a portion of our rally, and we also plan to close with a short march. Please come out and show your support for humanity, we must not become desensitized to such brutal atrocities during this genocide of Gaza! ✊🏾🍉✌🏾

Vancity Join Party - Monday March 3rd

🗓 Date: March 3rd

⏰ Time: 5-7pm

📍 Location: CIRS policy lab (UBC)

RSVP hereFrom @climatejusticeubc: JOIN US FOR A PARTY ROUND 2! Say goodbye to fossil fuel banks and join a credit union with us ❤️‍🔥 March 3rd, 5-7PM at the CIRS BC Hydro Theatre

Bring all your questions and excitement to move away from fossil fuels and weapons! All are welcome, including non-students and those of you who’ve already moved to a Vancity, or are moving to a different credit union Information 🫶🏼

Fundraiser event for Sudan - Tuesday March 4th

🗓 Date: Tuesday March 4th 2025

⏰ Time: 5:45PM PST

📍 Location: 1803 East 1st Ave🥣 Event starts with light food/light iftar

🙏 Pay what you can. Suggested $10+

😷 Masks Required and Provided

From @weaving.our.worlds and speaking to this week’s theme of connections:

We are excited to invite you to THAWRA ! ثورة

An evening of SPEAKERS, PERFORMERS, and FUNDRAISING for Sudan ❤️

Come hear from members of the Sudan Solidarity Collective, an inspiring and dedicated Sudanese-led volunteer collective based in tkaronto! 💕 They will be joining us irl in so-called Vancouver, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh & səlilwətaɬ lands, to speak about the Sudanese Revolution since 2018, and the counter-revolutionary war waged since between the SAF and the EU/UAE-funded RSF. ✊🏽

While imperialist and anti-Black narratives of Sudan claim it's a “civil war” and “failed state,” come hear about the reality on the ground in Sudan. Understand how the world’s largest displacement crisis has been created by global military elites and a counter-revolutionary war.

Let’s come together in engaged community to learn from Sudanese resistance in Sudan and in diaspora. 💚

This event is PWYC by-donation, suggested $10+.

All funds are going to Sudan Solidarity Collective, who are directly resourcing several grassroots formations at the frontlines in Sudan. People in Sudan are coming together, defiantly and collectively, in Emergency Response Rooms and Resistance Committees to provide escape, shelter, medicine, and food. ☀️

Stay tuned for more event details, including performer line up! 🌈

Hosted by Weaving Our Worlds and Sudan Solidarity Collective ⭐️

Ramadan Support Groups - Various Dates

** 🗓 Various**

**📍Online **

⭐️ Registration required, click here!

From @amaly.mindset: 🌙✨ As we approach the holy month of Ramadan, AMALY is excited to offer dedicated support groups to help you navigate this sacred time with guidance, strength, and community. We understand the unique challenges that Ramadan can bring, and we’re here to provide a safe space for support and connection.

Here are the upcoming support groups:

❤ ⭐ Eating Disorder Recovery Support Group: Ramadan Edition – A space to address the challenges of recovery during Ramadan while embracing nourishment and self-compassion.

🌙 Ramadan & Recovery: Navigating Substance Challenges – For those navigating recovery from substance use, offering support and coping strategies.

💛 For Palestinians & Allies – A dedicated group to support Palestinians and allies, offering a space to process the ongoing genocide in Palestine.

Join us as we approach this blessed time that inspires us to slow down, reflect, and support our communities💫

Online Workshop Series - March 5th

** 🗓 Various**

**📍Online **

⭐️ Registration required, click here!

From @freepalestincetricitesbc: The horrors that are taking place in Gaza and the West Bank did not begin on October 7. But what are the root causes? This free, 9-session introductory series is a chance for you to learn about the history of Zionism and its effect on the indigenous Palestinian people.

Come join us, and ask all your questions.

Donation Campaign of the Week

**Islamic Relief Canada **

This week we are highlighting this fundraiser from Islamic Relief Canada:

“For 15 long and difficult months, Gaza has endured unimaginable loss.

Throughout the crisis, our teams on the ground worked tirelessly, often under extreme conditions, to deliver life-saving aid. As Gaza’s future remains uncertain, one thing is clear - we stand with its people, and we are committed to continuing this vital work, together with you.

With your help, we are scaling up efforts to meet urgent needs. From Rafah to Jabaliya, every gift you give brings hope and relief to families in need:

$65 can provide life-saving essentials

$150 can provide a family with life-saving food

$250 can provide emergency medical supplies

Give now and create a future where families can rebuild their lives and children can dream again. Together, let's restore dignity and build hope, one step at a time.

Donations are Zakat eligible, please check the Zakat box to designate your donation accordingly”

Click here to learn more and support Islamic Relief Canada

Community Spotlight

Reading for Palestine

One of our community members shared a collection of political writing on Palestine and solidarity organizing in Canada and beyond that has been circulating. It’s an informative, empowering read and free to download. Staying informed is not only essential in times like these, but it is an act of solidarity and helps sustain our movements.

Click here to check out the contents and download the PDF!

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.

Forward to a Friend

Feel free to share: click here** **to subscribe or share this edition as a webpage by clicking this link. Share using our QR code.

With gratitude and in solidarity,

Your Neighbours

Van Gran 4 Palestine

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