Palestinian cause is crucial, as so-called Canada and Israel are both on stolen lands—here it’s Indigenous peoples, there it’s Palestinians. The legacy of colonial occupation by way of Western powers is shared between Turtle Island and Palestine.
Although many institutions acknowledge that they are on stolen lands, it’s vital to recognize the stolen status of lands abroad as well. The struggles of the Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island and Palestine align as they actively oppose the colonial and imperial interests of the global capitalist war machine that fuels Israel’s unjust and horrific treatment of the Palestinian people.
Israel’s devastating war on Palestine fuelled not only displacement and massacres, but also catastrophic impacts on the environment. Many Zionist militias and settlers would go on to burn the olive trees that are culturally vital to Palestinians, similar to how colonizers massacred the buffalo that are necessary for nomadic Indigenous bands in so-called Canada.
As well, the level of violence perpetrated against civilians, mainly children, at the hands of Israel is disgusting. The constant shelling and bombing of Palestinian neighbourhoods at the hands of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) has had disastrous consequences on the communities and their livelihoods. The IDF claims its reason for waging genocide on Palestinian people is to get back the hostages from the events of October 7. The hostages are simply an excuse to terrorize civilians and further ethnic cleansing in the region. Hamas offered to release the hostages in exchange for a ceasefire—which Israel rejected.
International legal organizations have recognized the war crimes perpetrated by Israel. These crimes have been brought to attention by many legal entities, including the International Court of Justice, for which South Africa initiated a legal case against the Israeli state. South Africa, having also been ravaged by the evils of apartheid, saw many similarities in their struggles and took decisive action against Israel’s violations.
Along with those stances, there is evidence of genocidal intent expressed by Israel’s government and their prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant, who described Hamas resistance fighters against Israeli occupation as “human animals.” These politicians have made calls for the total siege of Gaza.
Camosun generally doesn’t take a stance on world issues unless the events go in accordance with mainstream opinions. For example, Camosun released a statement condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, offering students and staff a variety of support options, in February of 2022.
Even though the Palestine issue is divisive, Camosun should uphold their promises of “incorporat[ing] the values, principles, and teachings of Na’tsa’maht – a Lekwungen term meaning ‘unity or working together as one.’” Indigenous worldviews argue that all Indigenous peoples are connected, so, following that, Camosun should uplift these values they claim and stand in solidarity with Palestine. Camosun has released no official statement to mirror their reaction to Ukraine, yet Palestinians deserve freedom just the same.
The argument could be made that supporting Palestine publicly could cost the college enrolment, but I believe the opposite is true. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations take place weekly downtown, and pro-Palestinian protests have also taken place on various post-secondary campuses. This shows that there is enough support for Palestine to support enrolment.
Camosun shouldn’t be afraid to offend Zionists when Palestinian lives are on the line.