Nakba Weekend – Local Palestinian and Arab community members invite community from across Metro Vancouver to commemorate 77 years of ethnic cleansing in Vancouver on May 15-19, 2025
xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) (Vancouver, BC) – Al Awda Vancouver, the Palestinian-Jordanian Cultural Society and members of the greater Arab and Palestinian community invite community members from across Metro Vancouver to learn and commemorate the Nakba, or the Catastrophe, a 77 year long ethnic cleansing perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinian people. Beginning on May 15, 2025, Remembering the Nakba is a popup exhibit that will take visitors through the history of the Nakba to present day Palestine. Some vendors and food stalls will be available as well as a Virtual Reality exhibit that allows you to explore Palestine. Local Palestinian and Indigenous speakers will also speak and share their stories and experiences of the Nakba during a short rally.
Between May 15 to 19, 2025, we will deepen the teachings around the Nakba, connecting it to today’s genocide in Gaza. Gaza Remains The Story exhibits the cause and context of the Palestinian experience, focusing on the land, places, and people of Gaza.w The exhibition strives to inform, educate, and narrate stories of historical locations and cultural practices in Gaza, providing a glimpse into Gaza’s arts, aspirations, and uniqueness—what remains of it in these harsh times.
Details about tickets and programming will be available in the coming weeks. Both events are family friendly and we entourage folks of all ages and backgrounds to attend and learn more about the ethnic cleansing of Palestine.
Though we commemorate the Nakba and the ethnic cleansing that began 77 years ago, ties to current atrocities cannot be forgotten. Violence against the people of Gaza and Palestinians continues with death tolls exceeding 60,000, half of whom are children.
It is reported that over 60% of Gaza has now been claimed by Israel, forcing the remaining 2 million people into even smaller spaces and more dire conditions. Israel has prevented any aid from entering Gaza for over seven weeks, collectively punishing Palestinians in an effort to disarm and dismantle the Resistance. Israel continues to dismiss any ceasefire deals leaving more innocent people to starve and suffer. Ministers of Israel have repeatedly gone on record to indicate that total annihilation of the region is the goal–an objective which has been actively supported by American and Canadian politicians.
It is incumbent upon all Canadians of conscience to speak up and tell our elected officials that a two way arms embargo is imperative to end the suffering of so many. We welcome everyone to join us this Nakba Weekend to learn more about the history of Palestine and what steps individuals can take to help end Canada’s complicity in this genocide.
WHAT: Remembering the Nakba – popup exhibition | Gaza Remains: The Story – multimedia art exhibit showcasing the resilience of the people of Gaza
WHEN: Remembering the Nakba – May 15, 4pm-8pm | Gaza Remains: The Story – May 16-19
WHERE: Remembering the Nakba – Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza | Gaza Remains The Story – 312 Main
WHO: Local Palestinian and Arab community members, artists, families, and curious citizens of conscience from across Metro Vancouver
INFORMATIONAL FLIER: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIg3VhexxmU/
MEDIA CONTACT: [email protected]
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