🍉 VanGran4Pal Community Newsletter

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**Neighbours and Friends, **

We’re starting with some good news today from the newsletter of the folks over at CJPME:

_“The International Criminal Court (ICC) has finally issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza. What's more, Prime Minister Trudeau confirmed Thursday that Canada will abide by the ICC's rulings and regulations! This means that Netanyahu and Gallant could not visit Canada without the threat of being arrested and brought for trial before the ICC!” _

We’ve had moments of hope like this before, and we know what it’s like to then feel disappointed... But every small shift of the needle adds up over time. These small shifts only occur because of communities like this one, and our commitment to showing up in whatever ways we can - big or small. We keep applying that pressure, consistently using our voices to demand a better future. The squeaky wheel gets the grease! So without further ado, read on for events, actions and more ways to make a difference.

Action Updates

Quick actions you can take today!

Here’s a short list of some petitions and letters you can send. We know that these are a quick, easy and effective ways for busy people to put their name to what they believe in:

1. Tell Parliament: recognize Palestinian Statehood now! Click here to send an email using the CJPME template.
2. Arms Embargo Now held an epic day of action on November 16th and you can still take action today. Click here to learn more about the action and scroll down for some letter templates to email weapons companies and local newspapers!
3. Thanks to grassroots activism, the CRA has revoked the charitable status of five pro-Israel organizations. There are more that must have their status revoked: click here to sign the letter to demand the revocation of the charitable status of five more.
4. Formal complaint submitted against HonestReporting Canada: click here to learn more and add your voice in support.
5. …And another reminder about why you should consider divesting from your bank - RBC is investing $37bn in war crimes and genocide. Community action for Palestine has step-by-step guidance to help you divest!

Upcoming Events

Cabaret and Dance Party - Tonight, Nov 22

Today - Nov 22****Doors 8:30pmShow 9pm SHARP@birdhouseartspace44 W 4th Ave Performance showcase: 9-11pmDance party: 11pm-2am

**TICKETS LIVE! Link here. **

If you’re looking for a last minute night-out tonight, read on! Born from the Jin, Jiyan, Azadi (Woman, Life, Freedom) movement in Iran, AZADI is part cabaret, part rave: all-SWANA magic ~~ A collaboration between producer @the.amnesiahaze and @menafilmfestival which aims to build community and resistance through art. Allies welcome!As a celebration of solidarity between interconnected struggles for liberation in Iran, P@lestine, and the larger region, AZADI Cabaret & Dance Party is a showcase of all SWANA/MENA (Southwest Asian & North African/Middle Eastern & North African) performers and DJs. We will also have a fantastic lineup of local vendors and raffle prizes.Show starts at 9pm SHARP, come early to get the full experience!Profits from the event will be donated in equal parts to the @sudansolidaritycollective, Voices of the Unseen (Emergency Fund for Leb@non) and to local P@lestinian-Canadian community member @najjar.nasser0 's mutual aid campaign to support his family in G@za.

Cupcake decorating workshop - November 30th

Saturday, Nov 30th

106-17957 55 Ave, Surrey BCJoin @clovlang4palestine & Just Cakes Bakeshop (JCB) for a fun & impactful cupcake decorating workshop 🧁Unleash your creativity, learn new skills, and decorate for a cause! All proceeds will help provide clean water to North Gaza, offering relief to families in need.Spaces are limited-Don’t miss out! To register, click here for the eventbrite link.

Irish4PalestineBC Fundraiser - Nov 30th

Saturday, Nov 30, 2024

7:00 PM – 1:00 AM PST

Foy's Irish Bar & Grill, Kingsway, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Click here for tickets

The Irish4PalestineBC group will be hosting a fundraiser for Medical Aid for Palestinians on Nov 30th.Come join for us a night of trivia, music and dancing all while supporting a good cause. There will be prizes, raffles, and silent auction on the night!Tickets are $15 per person.

Weekly vigil - Saturdays at Vancouver Art Gallery

Every Saturday at 5pm, you can join this community-led vigil and rally at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Stop by and support!

Nemahsis is coming to Vancouver - tickets on sale!

We’re really excited that Palestinian-Canadian artist Nemahsis will be taking her ‘don’t go where you’d hate to be found’ tour to Vancouver on Jan 26th 2025. Tickets are expected to sell out, so get yours now at the link here.

Save the Date: Lanterns for Gaza - Dec 2

Monday, December 2, 5:30pm-8pm

1803 E 1st Ave, Vancouver

Tickets and info here

Join us as we illuminate the night and the pathway to collective freedom through community and creativity.Tickets are on sale now, and include a guided workshop, all the materials necessary to create your lantern and a delicious light meal! Proceeds will help families in Gaza. 🍉 We hope to see you there!

Community Spotlight

Recently I took a trip to Japan that I’ve wanted to take for many years, and I was so lucky to be met with amazing food, culture, landscapes and people throughout. I spent my last three days of the trip in Tokyo, and at times felt isolated in a way I hadn’t elsewhere - I was almost overwhelmed with the consumerism: big malls, chain stores, constant shopping and ads…

So when I walked towards my hotel on my last evening and saw across the street huge Palestinian flags waving in the breeze, I practically ran to go and catch up with the people flying those flags. A small group of local advocates were posted up outside a busy station, using a projector and speaker system to explain to passerby why we need to boycott Israeli goods. They had dedication, passion and a palpable humanity that I’ve experienced in so many other places and ways. It helped me remember that even when you feel overwhelmed or like no one cares, there are always, everywhere, people who do. You just have to look. ~C

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With gratitude and in solidarity,

Your Neighbours

Van Gran 4 Palestine

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