While we in Aotearoa celebrate the holidays, and the summer weather. In Gaza, winter is in full swing. The ongoing genocide in Palestine has only gotten worse over the last year — despite cries for ceasefire — and now we’re watching as the colonialist regime expands their terror into Lebanon, and Syria.
Our first Artists for Palestine show raised over $4,000. This time we hope to raise even more. While our government refuses to issue humanitarian visas, we continue to fight to raise money for our Palestinian whānau to find the safety and security that all people deserve.
Minas Al-Ansari is a powerhouse for Palestinian activism and advocacy here in New Zealand. Originally from Jerusalem, she co-founded Palestinian Youth Aotearoa as a way to help young Palestinians in New Zealand stay connected to their culture and heritage.
While Minas fights for Palestinians in Gaza, Jerusalem, the West Bank, and here in New Zealand every day, her own family in Gaza — her aunt, Maysoon Al-Desouki lives with her 5 children in the middle of the atrocities — the bombing, the famine, the humiliation and the conflict. They have lost their home, all their belongings, their day-to-day life, their studies and many family and friends. They are currently living in an asylum centre with a huge number of people and the children are suffering from ongoing illnesses due to the lack of hygiene and space.
With this event, all proceeds raised from tickets, the raffle, and a portion of sales from each stallholder involved in the market will be donated to Minas’s family in Gaza, to help them rebuild their lives, and potentially immigrate to Aotearoa, if enough funds for border crossings, and visas are raised.
Join Rana, Idol Essence, The Man Shamz, Moe-Joe, KAIO, Rose Freeborn, and Otherwoman at Big Fan (25 McDonald St., Morningside) - 7:30 on January 24th 2025 for an unforgettable night of music, featuring speeches by Minas, and Avigail Allan, a raffle including prizes by the likes of Brokeboy Taco, Cyril Tattoos, Jitterbug, and many, many, more; and a market featuring some of the most talented Aotearoa artists and creators.
We’re all looking to have a little fun this summer; might as well spend that money on a good cause while you do it.
