Standing Firm Amidst Darkness

Dear Friends,

In the shadow of the ongoing genocidal campaign in Gaza, we find ourselves in a moment of profound darkness. With tens of thousands of lives violently destroyed and millions teetering on the brink of famine, the gravity of this situation threatens to snuff out any glimmer of hope for a better future.

But even in the depths of despair, our Palestinian partners refuse to succumb. Our friend Basel from Tuwaini just returned from Berlin where his film in partnership with Yuval Abraham won Best Documentary at the Berlinale film festival and got the word out to people worldwide about the oppression and resilience of the communities in Masafer Yatta. Umar, an incredible tour guide from Zochrot is helping to resume tours that map out the ongoing Nakbe from pre-1948 onwards, and through his work, reminds us that the path to a better future always lies within a clear-eyed and detailed understanding of the past. Through our communities on the ground, networks are sharing fundraisers from Palestinians trying to get resources to their families in Gaza, doing everything possible to get people to safety and alleviate suffering. Their resilience serves as a beacon, reminding us that the fight for freedom and safety for all is non-negotiable.

Basel and Yuval screening the film in Tuwani last Thursday

We are grateful to bring in the new cohort (Cohort 21) into these relationships of solidarity and activism. Currently their work placements include Combatants for Peace, +972 Magazine, The Storytelling Project in the South Hebron Hills and shepherding accompaniment in the Jordan Valley with Rabbis for Human Rights and other long-time activists. 

Cohort 21 touring the village of Lifta which was violently cleansed during the Nakba. PC: Alice Austi

While we are deeply sad to have said farewell to two incredible members of the Tzevet last month, we're also thrilled to welcome Yoav and Tash to our team. Their dedication and passion will undoubtedly breathe new life into our community and our cause and with them our new Cohort of participants. Keep an eye out for future newsletters in which they will introduce themselves more fully! 
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And lastly don't forget our ongoing Ramadan Food Drive. Join our efforts to ensure that families in the West Bank can celebrate Ramadan. Our hope is to provide for approximately 500 families throughout the West Bank and East Jerusalem by raising 255,000 nis.
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In the face of catastrophe, let's stand firm. Together, we'll continue to fight for justice, dignity, and self determination for all people between the river and the sea. 

In solidarity,
The Tzevet,
Solidarity of Nations Achvat Amim