This week, we want to focus on the range of work that is being done in solidarity with the people of Palestine. The wider community is doing the work that—we are hopeful—will lead to change. The Embassy Cultural House will also be participating in the next iteration of Queer Cinema for Palestine (QCP), which will coincide with Human Rights Day on December 10, 2023. More updates on this event will follow. Solidarity for PalestineTop left: Group photo from the discussion “Is Palestine Facing Another Nakba?" with Israeli authors Eitan & Eléonore Bronstein about their book Nakba: The struggle to decolonize Israel. This event was hosted by Independent Jewish Voices London (IJV London) at Reimagine Co. in London, ON, and co-sponsored by Canadian Palestinian Social Association (CPSA) and People for Peace London. From left to right: Eitan Bronstein, Éléonore Bronstein, Nehal Al Tarhuni of CPSA London, Sara Rans of IJV London, Chava Finkler of IJV London, and Palestinian-Canadian poet Nadine Alaloul. For more information on Eitan and Eléonore's book: https://www.nomad-publishing.com/nakba.html. Photo credit: Jamelie Hassan Top right: “Stop the Genocide in Palestine" graffiti. Viva Palestina! Love and courage from Oaxaca, Mexico, November 7, 2023. Photo credit: Marnie Fleming Bottom: Artists in solidarity for #CeasefireNow at SAW Gallery, Ottawa, on Sunday, November 5, 2023. Photo credit: Éloïse Mutombo Forest City Gallery echos the call for an immediate ceasefire in GazaWe applaud the Forest City Gallery Board of Directors and Staff for their critical and empathetic statement on the crisis in Gaza, released on November 4, 2023. To read the full statement, please visit their website. Dreaming Palestine by Nadine AlaloulI dream to see a falasteen free- where the land is filled with rooted olive trees- Where we see our flags proudly high- Where Muslim’s, Christian’s, & Jews live together in peace like we used to. Where Zionism ideology does not exist- Where it is forbidden to see yourself superior above the rest I dream to see a falasteen free- To feel the wind of Mediterranean Sea, To sip on babonij, chamomile tea as I watch children play simo, hide & seek Where we eat fresh oranges from yaffa trees- Where we can go back home & live by our seas- Where we rejoice in Eid, Passover, & Christmas feasts I dream of a falasteen that knows peace- a falasteen where love is what we teach- for our land- for our neighbours for all our brothers & sisters no matter their beliefs. I dream of a falasteen that does not know Zionism hate- but it be a faint memory of what evil creates I dream of a falasteen liberated, free from hatred free from dehumanization. I dream of a falasteen where every child is seen as our own- where each tear that falls from their eyes- is felt as our own & I dream of a falasteen where laughter fills the streets as we eat knafe sweets, as we hear tabley beats & we finally can say falasteen is free. For more of Nadine's work, please visit her Instagram account @nadinethepoet. Embassy Cultural House stands with CPSAJoin CPSA for a rally on Sunday, November 12 at 12:00 PM at Victoria Park in downtown London. The Embassy Cultural House stands with the Canadian Palestinian Social Association and is united with numerous groups in London for the “Ceasefire NOW!" pan-Canadian day of action. CPSA's diverse coalition represents people from various backgrounds and faiths to call for a ceasefire. This family-friendly peaceful rally and march invites everyone who cares about peace and justice to stand with us. Twenty years ago, a mass movement kept Canada out of the Iraq war. Today, we need another mass movement to stop the Canadian government from funding genocide, and supporting Israeli war crimes in Gaza. It begins with a ceasefire, but we must also call on the Canadian government to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and lift the 16-year-long siege. We must also continue to insist that the Canadian government utilize its influence to facilitate the safe return of Canadian Palestinians trapped in Gaza to their families here. “Black Life: Untold Stories" premieres on CBC GemBlack Life: Untold Stories is an eight-part documentary project that reframes the rich and complex histories of Black experiences in Canada, dispelling commonly accepted myths and celebrating the many, and often unrecognized, contributions of Black Canadians who helped to shape our country. The series is now available on CBC Gem. We would like to congratulate ECH contributor, Juan Bello, for his work as the archival producer on the episodes: “Northern Beats” and “More than a Game.” Juan notes that, "One of the main challenges across episodes, from a visual research perspective, was the lack of archival and preservation policies in connection with Black communities and individuals. It is a project that addresses systematic injustice, and the lack of equity, diversity, and inclusion in connection with 'archival' and 'broadcast' practices. That makes the series unique, it brings to light historical records that had remained unseen and unheard." For more information: blacklifeseries.com Embassy Cultural House to participate at the |
ECH NEWSUpdates on the London Arts Community Archives
January 2025
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