Over the past few weeks, I have been encouraged by the world wide support shown to Palestinians, who are collectively being punished by Israel after Hamas militants killed 1,400 Israelis, and abducted 224 on Oct 7th
I have deeply appreciated the courage of Jewish Voice for Peace in the U.S. and Independent Jewish voices in Canada, and other Jewish voices around the world who, in spite of their own grief, have clearly said, “Not in our name” to the unparalleled violence that Israel has unleashed on Palestinians in Gaza.
And yet, our own federal government, has to this point refused to call for a ceasefire, and refused to insist that Israel provide the basic human necessities for survival for Palestinians under Israeli blockade.
I want us to say to our own government, “Not in our name.”
That is why I am calling on all people who have a respect for human rights to join me at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 5 for a peaceful rally and grief walk. We will gather and begin from First United Church parking lot 450 Okanagan Ave E, Salmon Arm, and do a walk along the highway and downtown, returning to the parking lot at First United.
The purpose of this walk is twofold:
• To acknowledge and grieve the deaths, injuries and missing persons in Gaza, Jerusalem, the West Bank (OPT) and Israel;
• To pressure our government to call for an immediate ceasefire, and the restoration of full humanitarian relief to the citizens of Gaza.
I want to invite all people who are grieving, be it for Palestinians, Israelis or both. There will be a few short introductory speeches at the beginning. You are encouraged to dress in black and walk in silence as if attending a funeral procession.
On Sunday, October 22nd, CBCs Piya Chattopadhyay, host of The Sunday Magazine interviewed Bassam Aramin a Palestinian, and Ayelet Harel a Jew, who are part of The Parents Circle – Families Forum, an organization of people who’ve lost immediate family members to the ongoing conflict in Israel/Palestine. They talked about their experiences, reckoning with anger and grief, and using dialogue as a way forward. At the end of the interview, they spontaneously wished each other to stay safe.
Let’s come together and wish that for one another.
Read more: Israel-Palestine conflict: Eby warns of ‘hateful words’ becoming violent acts
Read more: Letter: No peace for Israelis until there is justice for Palestinians
Rev. Juanita Austin,
Member of CJPME (Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East) Okanagan
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