More than 200 people attended a Palestinian film, food and music night on May 24, organised by Mountains for Palestine and Community Care Kitchen (CCK) in Lawson, Blue Mountains.
Funds raised went to Palestinian Christians in Australia (PCiA) who, with CCK, support forcibly displaced Palestinians arriving in the Western Sydney region.
These people, who the government touts as having been given humanitarian visas, in fact have visitor visas and rely entirely on community support to get by.
Recent revelations from the Department of Home Affairs show that 4612 of these visas have been declined, largely on the grounds that the applicants have no family members in Australia.
If Labor was genuine about helping displaced Palestinians, the applicants would be designated refugees, making that requirement redundant.
Palestine Under Siege was introduced by filmmakers John Reynolds and Jill Hickson, who announced a second film would soon be finalised. It was followed by a Q&A hosted by Jay Karanouh.
Panellist Suzan Wahhab, President of PCiA, said: “We felt at home in the Mountains.
“Our wish is for the Australian public to see the truth about Israel’s system of occupation and oppression. Our hope is for freedom of the Palestinian people.
“Hosting such events to educate the public like this event is a great opportunity to support the people of Palestine.”
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Panellist Arwa Abousamra said: “To attend this landmark event at the Blue Mountains and to see the growing support for Palestine among residents was healing to our humanity … grassroots events like this are where real authentic human connection happens and conversations about justice, peace and the way forward can take place.”
PhD student Assala Sayara and Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah were also on the panel, with the conversation often provoking enthusiastic applause, as did the film, both during and after.
Attendees included recently arrived Palestinians who are being supported by CCK and PCiA. The venue provided break-out/prayer spaces.
With familiar food, fair-trade goods, coffee and complementary kanafa (a delicious Palestinian dessert), the mood was warm and reception to the film and panel heartfelt.
While the evening was peaceful and positive, posts shared online received Zionist vitriol, and the community centre received even harsher feedback. However, it has committed to defend the event and any other like it.
[Get in touch with Mountains for Palestine to help out.]