๐ VanGran4Pal Community Newsletter
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**Neighbours and Friends, **
Itโs been a week of important developments in the struggle for Palestinian liberation. We are taking our cue from voices on the ground in Palestine as we take in the news that Canada, Australia, Portugal and the UK have now formally recognized Palestinian statehood.
This news tells us many things: it shows us that public pressure works, that international sentiment is shifting, that some of those in power may be taking the first steps of a long walk toward the right side of history. Crucially, what it does not tell us is that the struggle is over. Now, more than ever, it is time to double down, speak up, demand more. Two years ago, the idea of our government recognizing Palestinian statehood seemed impossible. What might be possible two years from now?
There are many ways to keep the pressure high. We have lots of great events and actions to share with you below, where you can make your voice heard on the streets and in your community. Additionally, we want to take a moment to remind everyone how essential it is to speak through money in addition to words and actions. Money is the language of power โit understands little else โ and we have tools at our disposal to speak it as best we can with what little we have.
If you are new to the movement, now is a great time to start practicing BDS and supporting Apartheid Free businesses and institutions in your daily life. If you already are, consider sharing the information with someone new. This moment of increased visibility, momentum and shifting public consensus is an ideal time to engage new comrades in the struggle for justice.
Thank you, as ever, for being here with us, in whatever form you are able.
In solidarity,
The Van Gran crew
Action Updates
Close the Loopholes!
Between now and late October, we have a rare opportunity to take action to change Canadian law in order to cut off the massive flow of Canadian-made military components that reach Israel through the โUS Loopholeโ.
On Friday September 19th Member of Parliament Jenny Kwan introduced the No More Loopholes Bill to close dangerous gaps in Canadaโs arms export laws that allow Canadian-made weapons parts to be shipped through the U.S. and on to Israel or other conflict zones without oversight.
The only way this bill will pass and become law is if our movements organize to push our MPs to vote for it.
Reverse Kneecapโs Travel Ban
BCCLA condemns the Liberal governmentโs unfounded, biased, and authoritarian decision to bar Irish-language rap group Kneecap from Canada, preventing them from performing their scheduled shows in October. In our view, this is another clear example of how Canadian governments are systematically targeting voices speaking out against genocide.
Click here to add your voice to the campaign to reverse the travel ban!
Call on Canada to Support the Flotilla
The criminal Israeli regime has once again attacked a humanitarian flotilla in international waters. Italy and Spain have announced that they are sending naval vessels to accompany the Sumud Flotilla. Please email Canadian officials to call on them to send HMCS St Johnโs, which is already in the Mediterranean, to follow suit.
Upcoming Events
Dance Dabkeh Workshop | Sun Sept 28
๐ Sunday Sept 28, 2025 @ 2pm PST
๐ Location: Vineโs Den, 825 E Hastings
From @canadabkeh: ๐จDabkeh Dance Workshop #8 ๐จ
๐ Sunday, Sept 28 | โฐ 2โ4 PM
๐ Vines Den, 825 E Hastings
Join Canadabkeh for an open-level workshop to learn dabkeh footwork & choreography. No experience needed! All in solidarity with Palestinian liberation. Masks required. Click here for tickets.
North Shore Actions for Palestine | Sun Sept 28
๐๏ธ** Sunday, Sept 28**
**๐ฃ 2-4PM **
๐ North Vancouver City Hall
From @northshoreyvr4palestine: Join us as we continue our weekly gatherings in front of North Vancouver city hall and library plaza. Continuing this Sunday, September 28th from 2-4 pm.
Understand Anti-Palestinian Racism Webinar | Sun Sept 28th
๐ Sunday Sept 28th @ 9AM PT
**๐ Location: Online - **Register Here
From @antipalestinianracism: REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
September 28, 2025 (Sunday) @ 9AM-10:30AM PT !!! Sign up, spread the word so that you (your friends, colleagues and family) can learn to:
๐๐ผKnow who Palestinians are;
๐๐ผDescribe anti-Palestinian racism;
๐๐ผIdentify who can be targets of anti-Palestinian racism;
๐๐ผUnderstand the impact of anti-Palestinian racism on health wellbeing;
๐๐ผLearn ways to address anti-Palestinian racism.
See you soon!
Institute for the Understanding of Anti-Palestinian Racism (IUAPR) is the only organization dedicated exclusively to researching, educating and advocating on anti-Palestinian racism.
IUAPR conducted the first & only groundbreaking anti-Palestinian racism study! Link in bio & our website!
๐๐ผWe continue to welcome any introductions to corporations & academic institutions who you believe need our help & training! Please email us at info@iuapr.org
IUAPR is a U.S. 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization.
Thank you!
Photo credit: www.palestineremembered.com
** Short Film Screening | Thurs Oct 2nd**
๐ Thursday October 2nd
โฐ 6 PM
๐ The Cinematheque
From VIFF**: **Tickets: MODES 1 | VIFF 2025
From the indoctrination of youth to increasing surveillance, populist ethno-nationalist and fascist ideologies continue to take root, yet dissent remains at the fore.
Palestine film highlight:
happiness
Fฤฑrat Yรผcel, Netherlands/Turkey (18 min)
As the unfolding genocide in Gaza is streamed around the world, resistence persists for a group of activists and immigrants in Amsterdam sabotaged by insomnia.
A Night For Rights | Oct 4th
๐ October 4th
**๐ 6 PM **
๐ Taj Park Convention Centre
From @justiceforallcanada: ๐ฃ ๐ฃ ANNOUNCEMENT | A Night For Rights: Honouring Dr. Naledi Pandor
Join us for a historic evening as we stand with Palestine and celebrate the unwavering courage of Dr. Naledi Pandor โ the trailblazing who took Israel to the International Court of Justice and ignited a global movement. ๐โ๐ฝ
This is a gathering of hearts, minds, and voices united for a shared goal. Letโs show the world Palestine matters, Human rights matter, international Justice matters.
๐ Calgary: October 3rd, 2025 | 6pm MST | Astoria Banquet Hall
๐ Vancouver: October 4th, 2025 | 6pm PST | Taj Park Convention Centre
๐ Edmonton: October 5th, 2025 | 6pm MST | ARCA Banquet hall
๐๏ธ Tickets on sale now: www.justiceforallcanada.org/events
Flood Vancouver for Palestine | October 4th
๐ October 4th
๐ 1:00pm
๐ Vancouver Art Gallery
From @alawdavancouver: October 2025 marks two years of Israelโs catastrophic ongoing war on, and genocide of, Gaza. With this anniversary, we remember the martyrs, honour the survivors, and reaffirm that the people of Gaza โ and of all Palestine โ cannot be erased.
With more than 60,000 Palestinians killed according to Gazaโs Health Ministry โ independent estimates being far higher โ Palestinians in Gaza continue to face cataclysmic suffering, forced starvation and displacement, disease, and relentless bombardment by Israel. Whole families have been murdered. Life expectancy has dropped by 35 years to 40.5. Yet the people of Gaza continue to teach the world what steadfastness, courage, and dignity are.
As we mark two years of genocide, we uplift that the struggle for the liberation of Palestine is one of joint liberation, inextricably intertwined with the struggles for Indigenous sovereignty, climate, migrant, food and health justice, and the struggle of workers; of people facing and fighting fascism, oppression, exploitation, and racism in all of their forms, worldwide.
On October 4, we will flood the streets and occupy the bridges to show our unity and determination. We will not rest until freedom, justice, and return are achieved, in Palestine and everywhere.
๐ If youโd like to endorse this action or organize in another city, visit alawdavancouver.com/flood.
โ๏ธ Illustration by @joeymasonart
Tatreez Night | Oct 26th
๐ October 26th
**๐ 4-7 PM **
๐ Shared with registrants
From our friends at @parentsforpalestineyvr: ๐งตโจ Join us for Tatreez Night: Balat w Bizr / Tiles and Seeds with artist Lubna Al Samman ๐ฟ
Together weโll stitch, share stories, and celebrate Palestinian resilience through the intricate art of Tatreez embroidery. No experience needed โ just come ready to connect, create, and learn.
๐ Sunday, Oct 26 | 4โ7 pm
๐ Metro Vancouver (location shared with registrants)
๐ Every participant will take home a bag of Palestinian Zaโatar โ the sack itself becomes your Tatreez canvas by the end of the evening.
โจ Limited spots โ register now
Community Spotlight
Local Fundraiser
โจ Online raffle fundraiser organised by a community member!โจ
Hereโs how you can support:โจ๐๏ธ Grab some raffle ticketsโจ๐ค Share this reel on your storyโจโค๏ธ Like, comment, & tag your friends and family
1 ticket โ $10
3 tickets โ $25
6 tickets โ $45
12 tickets โ $75
20 tickets โ $100
E-transfer โ
Include: name + phone number
Password for transfers: Tickets
Raffle ends October 6!
Local Fundraiser
FPBC is running a fundraiser for AHMAD & SHAMS AL-NAJJAR. The family has 14 surviving members and are in Khan Younis, Gaza.
๐Pickup Location: At Rallies/Marches
๐ฟ** DM the @freepalestinebc page to reserve necklaces.**
Contribute to the Newsletter
Do you have something you would like to share with your neighbours? We welcome submissions of all kinds โ 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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