The Surrey Teachers’ Association stands in solidarity with all Palestinians and Israelis who are innocent casualties in the ongoing violence. We won’t pretend to understand everything there is to know about what has happened and continues to happen, but as a union that supports social justice initiatives, we are vehemently against violence of any kind, especially any violent actions that are based on racist, colonial, and discriminatory ideologies.
Members of the STA belong to communities that have historically been or are being ravaged by oppressive regimes and governments, with many of us having formed diasporic communities because we were forced to leave. We grieve alongside you for not having ever truly known peace. We also grieve alongside you for not having ever truly experienced the safety and comfort of a home.
Many of the oppressive, divisive, and genocidal ideologies that tear us apart are intricately linked, upheld by organizations and governments who aim to expand their own power and extract from the people and their environments. We urge all of us not to fall prey to mis-/dis-information and propaganda that perpetuate anti-Arab/Muslim violence and antisemitism. Instead, we should continuously reflect and seek information and forces that promote justice and liberation from oppressions. As well, we lovingly and strongly implore us to critically examine the in-fighting between communities that is encouraged by external powers, and instead build community, capacity, and alliances with one another to fight against forces and groups that aim to oppress us.
As well, we should move towards actions to donate, educate and share, be mindful not to spread hate but compassion and hope, and hold space for those who are hurting. It is now more than ever that we need to stand together. We have the power to honour and protect all human lives, no matter how small our realms of influences are.
Please understand that the following links and resources are shared with the intention of supporting and empowering.
We encourage you to sign the following petitions in the act of solidarity as global citizens:
- Palestinian Feminist Collective
- Gaza on the Brink: Ceasefire Now!
- Urgent Action Needed to Secure an Immediate Ceasefire & Humanitarian Corridor in Gaza
We encourage you to donate to the following charities. You are also welcome to find other reputable ones.
- Provide urgent humanitarian aid to Palestinians – Anera.org
- Palestine Emergency Appeal – Islamic Relief Canada
- Support Palestinian Refugees with Donations – United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
- Urgent Gaza Relief – Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund
- Supporting Palestinian Families in Gaza Now – Middle East Children’s Alliance
- Palestine Emergency Appeal – Medical Aid for Palestinians
- Independent Jewish Voices
- Charity Intelligence Canada & Charity Watch (US based) are both tools to help donors to be informed and to give intelligently
Teaching resources to explore (please read through the details carefully to accommodate for your communities’ needs as some of these are broad searches):
- Talking about Palestine in the Classroom
- Decolonize Palestine
- Teach Palestine
- Zinn Education Project: Whose “Terrorism”?
- Independence or Catastrophe?
- Old Hatred; New Paradigms: Combating Antisemitism in the 21st Century
Supports available (please read through the details carefully to accommodate for your personal needs as some of these are broad searches):
- Muslim Therapists in BC
- Jewish Therapists in BC
- Jewish Family Service Agency – Mental Health & Counselling
- The Jewish Therapist Collective
- Healing in Colour – Racialized Therapist Directory
- Inclusive Therapists – Culturally Responsive Therapist Directory
- BCTF Health and Wellness Program
- STA Employee Family Assistance Plan (EFAP)