As an organization committed to fostering inclusivity, empowerment, and dismantling barriers, Young Women Empowered acknowledges the systemic violence endured by the Palestinian people over the past 75 years. Although we cannot guarantee safety, we strive to cultivate a safe and inclusive space where our intergenerational community can discuss, address, and heal the traumas of colonization, genocide, slavery, forced migration, experienced by our own communities. The parallels between the historical forces that have shaped our country and the realities faced by Palestinians since the Nakba in 1948, are unmistakable.
As a community with diverse participants and adults, including those of Jewish background, we honor the grief, pain and rage that Jewish and Palestinian people are feeling. We stand with our Jewish community mourning the tragic violence that occurred on October 7. Our goal is to shine a spotlight on the specific and longstanding injustices faced by the Palestinian people, without in any way disregarding the suffering of our Jewish community members. Furthermore, we emphasize Judaism is not synonymous with Zionism, and it does not support genocide.
We firmly believe that true sovereignty cannot be achieved without the liberation of Palestinians. We are unwavering in our hope for a future where self-determination, safety, and human rights are universally available for residents of all religions and ethnicities in the region.
We acknowledge the rise of hate crimes and violence across the world and we urge you to seek refuge in your community, as we are the ones that will keep each other safe. And to our Y-WE community, we encourage you to reach out to our staff members if you’re in need of resources.
Learning Resources:
Decolonize Palestine
Light in Gaza: Writings Born of Fire by Jehad Abusalim
Except for Palestine: The Limits of Progressive Politics by Marc Lamant Hill
Visualizing Palestine 101
Institute for Middle East, Understanding Palestine
Folks giving updates from and about Gaza on Instagram:
@Sbeih.Jpg
@letstalkpalestine
@Wizard_Bisan1
@Eid_Yara
@Salma_Shurrab
@AhmedHijazee
@Motaz_Azaiza
@HindKhoudary
@Aborjelaa
@Afafpall_
@RahafMarwan19
@Eye.On.Palestine
@theIMEU
@Mohammedelkurd
Local organizations:
Super UW
Beldaan
Falistiniyat
Samidoun Seattle
Where to donate:
Urgent Gaza Fund from Healing our Homeland
Palestine Emergency Fund from Islamic Relief USA
Gaza Emergency Appeal from MATW Project
Gaza Mutual Aid
Palestinian Social Fund
Gaza Emergency Response from Medical Aid for Palestinians