Coming together in hope

Sometimes (maybe often) holding on to hope is hard.  We hear about starvation and genocide in Gaza; settler attacks in the West Bank; that Canada is still providing arms components to Israel via the United States, and we may feel helpless.

Sometimes how we frame events mentally is very important.  On March 7th, at the Nights to Decolonize film series in Robert’s Creek, we heard about the idea of taking one step forward.  It doesn’t matter where you start from, but take one step in courage.  One small step.  

Poster saying 'hope is our unconquerable form of struggle'
a poster talking about the light for L'Arche campaign

 Maybe your step will be signing a petition.  Maybe going to a demonstration.  Maybe a small change in your purchasing patterns to support Palestinian vendors or avoid companies that support the Israeli military or provide products from settlements in the Occupied West Bank.  Maybe reading a book.  Maybe asking a question or watching a film.  But action feeds hope, and we do create the world by the action we take.

  • You are invited to check out our upcoming events and mark your calendar with ones that call to you.  (that page will be frequently updated, so check back often!).
  • Read my take on Canadian Complicity in the war.  It may be hard reading, but there is hope in truth.
  • Contact me if you’re interested in helping with organizing events
  • Watch inspiring webinars and learn what it is like to live in Israel and Palestine right now, from many different perspectives.
  • Donate to organizations working for peace, solidarity and justice in Israel and Palestine or support the Light for L’Arche campaign

HOPE?

I believe that the only hope for the conflict is when we come together across barriers and boundaries.  When one person meets one other person and recognizes their common humanity. 

Sometimes we need to grieve together, sometimes we need to be angry, and sometimes we laugh or sing or pray.  Or donate.  Or organize.

Where can you encounter the other today?

Mai, from Combatants for Peace, said that the responsibility of the international community is to hold both peoples, hold the land with the faith that both can live there.  Not just with a ceasefire but holding hold of true peace and justice, and taking action; calling for peace, writing emails, organizing and participating in non-violent protests.  To speak in their names and say 'we see the cry from both peoples; we see the pain in both; we see the humanity in both'.  So we need to hold on to hope for those in the midst of it all.  
Mai
CFP

Action on the Coast

There have been (and continue to be) so many activities on the Coast related to what is happening in Israel and Palestine.

  • Marches
  • Vigils at Davis Bay
  • A Mourning Tent
  • Educational Events 
  • Fundraisers
  • Dialogue Circles

Many pray.

Some join online gatherings with folks in Israel and Palestine who are working for solidarity and peace.

Some write to politicians, or learn about the conflicts.

Do what you can.  Hold on to Hope.

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PEACE AND HUMAN RIGHTS FOR ALL

We need to hold on to hope and to our common humanity.

 Please let me know through the contact page if you would like to receive updates – or have ideas for future activities.  There is a deep hunger for peace and for holding on to one another.