Statement of Solidarity with Palestine

Today we join hundreds of artists, academics, and cultural workers, in pledging our support for the Palestinian people in the face of over 75 years of Israeli apartheid, settler colonialism, military occupation, and ethnic cleansing. We call for an immediate end to the Israeli shelling of Gaza, an end to Israeli raids, arrests, and hostilities in the West Bank, and an end to the arrest and harassment of Palestinian citizens of Israel. Read the full list of demands from @artists4palestineca here. Debaser’s office will be closed today in solidarity with the global strike for Palestine.

On October 7, after an attack by Hamas that tragically killed 1300+ Israelis, the Israeli government has responded with over 10 days of relentless bombing in Gaza and punishment of Palestinians. To date, there has been no ceasefire declared. Not only has the Canadian government refused to demand an end to the genocide of Palestinians and the colonization of their land, but they have voiced overwhelming support for apartheid Israel and legitimized Israel’s response as self-defence. This is deplorable behaviour for a government that only a few weeks ago celebrated its progress and reiterated its commitment to truth and reconciliation with Indigenous people that it has colonized and stolen land from.

The Canadian government is one of Debaser’s largest funders, and we recognize the importance of using our resources and platform to demand for a free Palestine, and to support and amplify Palestinian voices. We are grateful toward the artists who have used their platform with Debaser to raise awareness about Israeli colonization of Palestine, share Palestinian culture and stories, and lend support to grassroots movements.

Halal Bae’s powerful performance dedicated to the people of Palestine at the Laylit-curated event at Pique winter edition 2021.

A performance by Palestinian artist Jude Abu Zaineh curated by Amin Alsaden for Pique winter edition 2021 “Ingesting Home convened guests around Palestinian food, poetry, and folk stories. A strong sense of community is often formed around meals in Palestine and the Arab world, while hunger strikes are routinely used as potent forms of protest. Food is also a great equalizer, transcending social divides and national borders, providing a taste of home even when home might be inaccessible. The intervention offers a moment of reflection around a dinner table, on the meanings of food here and there, and its potential as a site of learning, exchange, and growth.” - text by Amin Alsaden

A performance by Palestinian artist Jude Abu Zaineh curated by Amin Alsaden for Pique winter edition 2021 “Ingesting Home convened guests around Palestinian food, poetry, and folk stories. A strong sense of community is often formed around meals in Palestine and the Arab world, while hunger strikes are routinely used as potent forms of protest. Food is also a great equalizer, transcending social divides and national borders, providing a taste of home even when home might be inaccessible. The intervention offers a moment of reflection around a dinner table, on the meanings of food here and there, and its potential as a site of learning, exchange, and growth.” - text by Amin Alsaden

Halal Bae’s powerful performance dedicated to the people of Palestine at the Laylit-curated event at Pique winter edition 2021.

A performance by Palestinian artist Jude Abu Zaineh curated by Amin Alsaden for Pique winter edition 2021 “Ingesting Home convened guests around Palestinian food, poetry, and folk stories. A strong sense of community is often formed around meals in Palestine and the Arab world, while hunger strikes are routinely used as potent forms of protest. Food is also a great equalizer, transcending social divides and national borders, providing a taste of home even when home might be inaccessible. The intervention offers a moment of reflection around a dinner table, on the meanings of food here and there, and its potential as a site of learning, exchange, and growth.” - text by Amin Alsaden

Halal Bae’s powerful performance dedicated to the people of Palestine at the Laylit-curated event at Pique winter edition 2021.

A guest mix by Debaser programming committee member Lougien Dawoudiah for Radio Alhara as part of Stefan Christoff’s regular RA program in honor of the Musicians for Palestine campaign.

A guest mix by Debaser programming committee member Lougien Dawoudiah for Radio Alhara as part of Stefan Christoff’s regular RA program in honor of the Musicians for Palestine campaign.

October 7 was also the date of our most recent event with Laylit, a celebration and gathering place for Arabic/SWANA diaspora in the region, and we are grateful to the DJs and Laylit organizers for providing that safe space on such a difficult day. We have made a donation of $1,000 CAD (£573) from Debaser’s proceeds from the October 7 Laylit event to Medical Aid for Palestinians - the donation link is in our linktree for anyone with the means to pledge financial support to the critical emergency aid needed in Gaza.

@artists4palestineca have compiled a list of demands, resources, donation links, and actions across Canada if you are looking for ways to direct your support today. You can join the demonstration in Ottawa this Sunday October 22, 2 pm at the Human Rights Monument.  

Images available via the Free Palestine Project, which artists can submit their own posters to.