YK Citizens for Ceasefire hosted a Picnic for Palestine in downtown Yellowknife on Saturday afternoon.
Organizer Noha Nada, who moved to the city last fall, said the goal was to share knowledge and create a space for people to celebrate Palestinian culture.
“Unfortunately, people in the past didn’t know that there is a place called Palestine,” Nada told Cabin Radio. “So today, we are just sharing some stories of what has happened, so people could know more.
“I am so happy for the kids – just enjoying and running – this is exactly the target of today. I am so happy to see all of them.”
Around 20 volunteers helped prepare food for the gathering at Somba K’e Park, where tables were filled with sambosa, baklava, manakeesh, watermelon and lollipops for children.
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Flyers were available for people to learn more about the situation in Gaza and how to get involved. Some attendees also painted signs and posters during the picnic.
Amy Lam said the event became an opportunity to show solidarity at a time when more than half a million people in Gaza are facing famine.
“I think a lot of people are going through a lot of grief and rage on their own. I think a lot of people, their immediate family and friends may not be seeing what they’re seeing – what’s going on in Gaza,” she said.
“In the last month, especially with the starvation in Gaza getting a lot of news, people are starting to realize that there is a genocide going on. A lot of the people here have been following it for 22 months, so we’ve been seeing it and feeling it.
“But this is an opportunity for a family-friendly event, low-key, for people to come in and learn a little bit more about the movement and celebrate with some food.”
All photos on this page: Aastha Sethi/Cabin Radio
