"Why won't somebody do something?"

This is a question I am asked by Palestinians regularly, and I ask myself daily. Obviously lots of somebodies are doing little somethings (WHICH MATTERS), but why won’t an entity with POWER take serious action to stop this?

I think the first answer is that some have but we’re not really allowed to talk about it or praise them because that’s t3rr0r1sm. And the second answer, related to the first, is that those closest in proximity have the most to lose. Not that I think that’s an excuse, but it is a reason.

As the body count climbs, more countries around the world have condemned this g3n0c1de. In fact, a coalition of 8 states have come together to create The Hague Group; Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Honduras, Malaysia, Namibia, Senegal, and South Africa. And this organization is advocating for folks to campaign these countries to engage in military intervention; while I am uncertain of the capacity of these countries to do so along with, (as pointed out to me by a dear friend) the moral responsibility to ask those in the global south to put their lives on the line to oppose the atrocities our wealthy nation(s) are committing. I do wonder about the benefit of campaigning for these and perhaps other countries to impose sanctions upon the offending countries…

Urgent Needs:

• Heba is required to pay $1,470 to the hospital for her 14 year old son Mohammed’s surgery for his rheumatism. This surgery happened a couple of months ago. As of 7pm PST 4/14/25 we have $360 left to go. Now, if I could send Heba this entire amount I swear to you I would. And I will do my best to cover what cannot be raised by EOD 4/15. But anything extra we are able to stretch will go toward food and water for her children. Please dig deep, the need is greater and greater each day.

• Wafa owes her landlord $1,300 in back rent. He has given her until the end of the day on April 15th to pay this back. He has also been very flexible and extended this deadline. Wafa cannot count on his continued generosity to ensure her 6 children are able to stay indoors. Every small amount matters and gets her closer to ensuring a few more weeks of shelter.

Raffles and online fundraisers:

1. Monarch 2. Maryam 3. Earrings 4. Crosstitch 5. For Hala

1. Monarch — Hand-painted monarch butterfly wings painted on mussel shells. 20 pairs will be given away, and you can have unlimited entries.

   1. Tickets: 5 euro each

   2. Enter by going to Mariam’s campaign, making the donation, and sending a screenshot to [at]a_friend_to_wildlife on IG (you can also send the screenshot to me and I’ll forward it along.

2. Maryam — Every entry of $10 gets you a chance to win one of 7 different gifts! including: Original art, ceramic mug, handmade potholders, beautiful prints, ceramic poppy, disposable cameras with free develop and print gift cards, and Palestine seed bead earrings.

   1. Enter by sending your preferred ticket amount (unlimited), to venmo [at]mayamayamayaa and include your method of contact, and which prize.

   2. Winners announced on April 28th

3. Earrings — If you are looking to express your solidarity for Palestine, consider purchasing a pair of earrings for $10 (+$2 for shipping, domestic only). All proceeds go to an amazing grassroots aid team [at]rajieenreliefteam

   1. DM [at]actually.its.ines on IG to purchase a pair

4. Cross Stitch — Each winner will receive a cross stitched pin and keychain. There will be 3 winners! DM your receipt to [at]triciaxstitch to enter.

   1. Each ticket is $10 sent to one of the 4 campaigns:

      1. Waseem

      2. Reem

      3. Basel

      4. Lifeline Collective

5. Raffle for Hala — Each Winner will choose designs from the Direct-Aid shop on redbubble.com to be printed on the items in the package of their choice.

   1. 3 winners! - 1 ticket = $10; 3 tickets = $20 (world-wide shipping!)

   2. Send $ to Paypal @MadiMordaunt with note, ‘For Hala’s Raffle’ or donate to Hala’s campaign $10 = 100Kroner

   3. Send receipt to @beef.cheeps (or to me, and I will forward)

   4. Winners will be chosen on April 13th.
      Package One = Lightweight sweatshirt sm-3xl + small sticker
      Package Two = dad hat + spiral notebook lined or graph
      Package Three = t-shirt sm-3xl + mug

In-Person Portland fundraisers:

1. Letters 2. Earth Day 3. Foam Rolling 4. Save the date

1. Letters — Writing letters to folks currently imprisoned by the occupation, as well as those imprisoned for their advocacy and actions toward liberation around the globe. Supplies provided, as well as pizza and agua fresca.

   1. When: April 17th 2:00-4:00pm

   2. Where: Vancouver, WA on the WSU campus in FSC 104 (CILA)

2. Earth Day — Celebrate Earth Day by getting a flower boquet to support [at]flowers4palestinepdx, and art and merch to support [at]pdxpigeonmutualaid’s distribution fund.

   1. When: Friday April 18th 1:00-4:00

   2. Where: The Quad at Reed College

3. Foam Rolling — Discover how to use foam rollers and mobility tools for muscle release and improved movement. Art will be available for sale. Donations split between two people from Palestine.

   1. When: Saturday, April 19th 10:00-11:30am

   2. Where: Intrepid Athletics 4830 NE MLK Jr. Blvd.

   3. RSVP to ruth@intrepidpdx.com

   4. Sliding scale donation $0-$50

4. Save the date — Saturday April 26th will be a chill making art event. Details TBD.