SUPPORTING PALESTINE

We can’t only take from culture and not care when that culture is struggling. How can we help?

Al Raqs Stands in Solidarity with Palestine 

It has been more than a year since the start of Israel’s ongoing assault against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. Israeli state aggression is actively increasing in Lebanon and the North of Gaza as well as in the West Bank. As we witness the unimaginable, and many of us in “the west” see our own government’s silence and complicity with this violence, we choose to listen to the humanitarian call as artists and dancers and stand in solidarity with Palestinian and Lebanese people for life, culture, sovereignty and resistance. 

We commit to take the following actions to support Palestinian resistance, life and freedom at this pivotal time:

– sharing resources, 
– share and amplify palestinian arts and artists, stories and voices…
– commit to diversity and antiracism at our events, 
– platform discussions on the issue,
– donation to chosen NGO.

We will be updating this page with specific steps.

Reflections on Our Conversations About Palestine in our Dance community.

The brutal assault onGaza started just a few days before the last conference, and it became a subject during our talks. At the last roundtable, we brought this up for discussion. Here are some reflections from Al Raqs communityroundtable held on October 15, 2023.”

“During a recent discussion among professional dancers, particularly those specializing in Middle Eastern dance (referred to as “MENAHTt dances”), the topic of Palestine arose—a subject that can often be fraught with sensitivity. The conversation highlighted the challenges faced by teachers and performers when addressing political and humanitarian issues within the context of cultural art forms.

One of the key questions raised was, “How shall we, teachers of MENAHT dances, talk to our students about it?” This reflects the challenge of balancing cultural appreciation and awareness with current political realities. For many in the Middle Eastern dance community, the topic of Palestine is not just a political issue but one that resonates deeply with their artistic and cultural engagement.

Several speakers shared their personal experiences, with one revealing that they faced censorship for their pro-Palestinian stance: “Straight after putting pro-Palestine stuff up, I got blocked.” This comment sheds light on the difficulties some advocates face when publicly expressing support for Palestine, especially in digital spaces.

Despite these challenges, there was a strong sense of solidarity expressed by the participants. One speaker openly stated, “Regardless, I think you already realize I’m very pro-Palestine,” making it clear that their stance on the issue is a personal and unwavering one. The conversation became more personal when one participant shared their firsthand experience of visiting Palestine: “I went to Palestine several years ago, and this is what I explained…” Their direct interaction with the region added a powerful, lived perspective to the discussion, further emphasizing the deep connection between the dance community and the political and cultural landscape of the Middle East.

The discussion reflected the deep commitment within the Middle Eastern dance community to engage with important global issues, while also navigating the practical and emotional challenges that come with these conversations. For many dancers, their art is a form of expression that goes beyond performance, touching on advocacy, education, and empathy for the people and cultures they represent.

“I do feel that it is a responsibility. If you are partaking in the culture, if you are taking from this culture for your own enjoyment or for your livelihood, you’re making money off of this. I think it’s wise to use our voice in the best way that we can.” Melissa, Al Raqs 2023

“Everyone is doing enough in their own way and within their own context. Because the best thing you can do now is you focus on, you have your energy really good, because the high vibe and high frequency at the moment, I believe everyone needs it on this earth. So the minimum that you can do, and it’s not even minimum, it’s important, is focus on you, protect you, protect your energy, the more you have protection within your energy. This is what’s gonna vibe with your surroundings, with your audience, with whatever shows you’re doing. And this is what we really need.” Menwa, Al Raqs 2023

 

What can we do, right now?

Check out more specific options what can you do, right now, to help Palestinians that are under the everyday war.

1. Educate Yourself and Others

– Learn about the history and current events in Palestine through books, documentaries, and reputable news sources.
– Share educational resources with your network to raise awareness about the Palestinian cause. 

SOURCES

2. Donate to Humanitarian Organizations

  • Support organizations that provide aid to Palestinians.
  • Focus on organizations that provide food, medical care, education, and other essential services to affected communities.
DONATE

3. Support Palestinian Businesses and Artists

  • Buy goods from Palestinian artisans, businesses, and brands, whether it’s online or through local shops.
  • Support Palestinian filmmakers, musicians, and artists by sharing their work, attending their events, and purchasing their creations.
LIST OF BUSINESSES

4. Participate in Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Movement

  • The BDS movement calls for the boycott of products and companies complicit in the occupation, divestment from corporations profiting from it, and sanctions against the Israeli government. Research which companies to boycott and share this information with others.
BDS

5. Advocate Through Social Media

  • Use social platforms to amplify Palestinian voices and raise awareness about ongoing issues.
  • Follow and share content from Palestinian activists and organizations to keep the conversation going.
ACTIVISTS

6. Attend or Organize Protests and Events

  • Join local demonstrations or rallies in support of Palestine.
  • If there are no events in your area, consider organizing a peaceful protest, cultural event, or public discussion to highlight the Palestinian cause.

7. Write to Political Leaders

  • Contact local and national politicians to encourage them to take action on issues related to Palestine, such as ending arms sales or pushing for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
  • Participate in campaigns that urge governments to apply pressure to respect international law.

8. Volunteer with Humanitarian Organizations

  • Some organizations allow volunteers to contribute their time, skills, or expertise to support Palestinian communities directly, either on the ground or remotely.
VOLUNTEER

9. Support Palestinian Refugees

  • Many Palestinians live as refugees. Support initiatives and charities that focus on improving the lives of Palestinian refugees by providing shelter, food, and education.
REFUGEES

10. Engage in Dialogue

  • Have conversations with people in your community to spread awareness about the Palestinian situation.
  • Facilitate constructive dialogues to help others understand the complexity of the issue while promoting empathy and compassion.

EDUCATE

 

Books

The Question of Palestine by Edward Said
Palestine: A Four Thousand Year History by Nur Masalha
The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine by Ilan Pappé
Mornings in Jenin by Susan Abulhawa
My Father Was a Freedom Fighter: Gaza’s Untold Story by Ramzy Baroud
Palestine Inside Out: An Everyday Occupation by Saree Makdisi
The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi

Documentaries

5 Broken Cameras (2011)
The Wanted 18 (2014)
Gaza Fights for Freedom (2019)
Occupation 101: Voices of the Silenced Majority (2006)
Naila and the Uprising (2017)
The Present (2020)
Jenin, Jenin (2002)
Gaza (2019)

 

Instagram accounts to follow

@darzahdesigns
Darzah is a non-profit promoting Palestinian heritage through hand-embroidered shoes, bags, and home décor made by women artisans in the West Bank.
Instagram

@tatreezandtea
Tatreez & Tea focuses on preserving Palestinian embroidery (tatreez) and shares Palestinian history, culture, and craft with a global audience.
Instagram

@palestinianthreads
Palestinian Threads promotes traditional Palestinian clothing and embroidery, preserving the rich cultural heritage through fashion.
Instagram

@canaanpalestine
Canaan Palestine supports Palestinian farmers by selling organic, fair-trade olive oil and other products, while also promoting Palestinian agricultural traditions.
Instagram

@turathna_palestinian_heritage
Turathna Palestinian Heritage is dedicated to preserving and sharing Palestinian culture and heritage through traditional clothing, embroidery, and folklore.
Instagram

@palestinianculture
An account that celebrates Palestinian culture, heritage, and history through images and videos that reflect traditions, landscapes, and crafts.
Instagram

@palestiniancrafts
Promotes handmade Palestinian crafts and products, including ceramics, olive wood, and embroidery, supporting artisans in Palestine.
Instagram

@elmorocco_designs
Focused on Palestinian and Middle Eastern jewelry and accessories, promoting traditional designs and Palestinian culture through handmade items.
Instagram

@kufiya.org
The official account of Kufiya.org, which promotes and sells the iconic Palestinian scarf made in the last remaining kufiya factory in Palestine.
Instagram

@reenadance
Reena is a professional Palestinian folkloric dancer and choreographer who shares traditional dance performances and highlights Palestinian heritage through movement.
Instagram

 

SUPPORT

 

Darzah (Palestine, U.S.)

An ethical fashion brand creating hand-embroidered shoes and accessories. Products are crafted by Palestinian women in the West Bank. Website: darzah.org

Anat International (Palestine, U.S.)

Sells traditional Palestinian crafts, including hand-painted ceramics, olive wood products, and embroidered items, all made by Palestinian artisans. Website: anatinternational.com

Taybeh Brewing Company (Palestine)

Palestine’s first and most famous microbrewery, based in the West Bank. They also produce wine and olive oil. Website: taybehbeer.com

Hantourism (Palestine)

A tourism company based in Palestine offering cultural and responsible tours around the region, emphasizing local experiences and interactions with Palestinian communities. Website: hantour.ps

Bethlehem Fair Trade Artisans (Palestine)

A non-profit that supports Palestinian artisans by selling fair-trade crafts such as ceramics, olive wood carvings, and textiles, made in the West Bank. Website: bethlehem-artisans.com

Canaan Palestine (Palestine)

Produces and exports organic, fair-trade Palestinian olive oil and other agricultural products like za’atar and maftoul. They work directly with small farmers in the West Bank. Website: canaanpalestine.com

Kufiya.org (Palestine)

A producer of the iconic Palestinian kufiya (scarf), made in the last remaining kufiya factory in the West Bank. They aim to preserve this cultural heritage while supporting local workers. Website: kufiya.org

Holy Land Handicraft Cooperative Society (Palestine)

A cooperative that supports Palestinian artisans in the Bethlehem area by exporting traditional handcrafts, such as olive wood carvings and mother-of-pearl jewelry. Website: holyland-handicraft.org

Nabulsi Soap (Palestine)

Nablus-based producers of traditional olive oil soap, an ancient craft in Palestine. These products are handmade using traditional methods. Website: nabulsi.com

Sunbula (Palestine)

A non-profit fair-trade organization that supports Palestinian artisans and cooperatives through the promotion and sale of traditional crafts. Website: sunbula.org

Zaytoun (UK)

A UK-based social enterprise that imports and sells fair trade products from Palestinian farmers, including olive oil, dates, and couscous. They work directly with Palestinian cooperatives. Website: zaytoun.org

Hadeel (UK)

Based in Edinburgh, Hadeel sells fair-trade Palestinian crafts, including ceramics, olive wood products, and textiles. They support marginalized artisans from the West Bank, Gaza, and Palestinian refugees. Website: hadeel.org

Palestinian Threads (Germany)

An online store selling Palestinian cultural items, especially traditional embroidered clothing and accessories, supporting Palestinian artisans. Website: palestinian-threads.com

Palestina Solidarität (Germany/Switzerland)

A fair-trade organization that imports olive oil, dates, and other agricultural products from Palestine, with a focus on supporting Palestinian farmers. They operate in Germany and Switzerland. Website: palästina-solidarität.de

 

ACTIVISTS

 

Mohammed El-Kurd
Mohammed El-Kurd is a prominent Palestinian activist and writer from the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of Jerusalem. He gained global attention for his advocacy against the forced displacement of Palestinian families in East Jerusalem. His activism on Twitter and Instagram highlights human rights violations and the struggles faced by Palestinians under Israeli occupation.

Muna El-Kurd
Muna El-Kurd, the twin sister of Mohammed El-Kurd, is also a vocal social media activist. She uses her platform to document and speak out against the displacement of Palestinians in Sheikh Jarrah. Along with her brother, she has become a leading voice in amplifying the Palestinian struggle globally.

Ahed Tamimi
Ahed Tamimi is a well-known Palestinian activist from the village of Nabi Salih. She gained international attention as a teenager after being arrested for confronting Israeli soldiers, and she has since become a symbol of resistance against the occupation. Tamimi uses her social media to share updates about the situation in Palestine and call for justice.

Lina Abu Akleh
Lina Abu Akleh is a Palestinian social media activist and the niece of the late journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed by Israeli forces while reporting. Lina uses her platforms to seek justice for her aunt’s death and to raise awareness about Palestinian issues, focusing on journalism, human rights, and the occupation.

Mariam Barghouti
Mariam Barghouti is a Palestinian-American journalist and writer who uses social media to provide real-time updates and nuanced analysis of the situation in Palestine. She frequently reports on the occupation and broader Middle Eastern issues, offering insight into the lived experiences of Palestinians.