An Extensive Guide on How to Support Palestine.

Image
Tinted map of historic Palestine with an illustration of a watermelon slice sitting in the centre with a river running through it. At the edge of the slice is another illustration of hands holding Palestinian flags.

This is a guide to taking action in support of a peaceful resolution for Palestine and Israel. In this guide, you will find on the ground and online ways you can actively support the call for a cease-fire and the end to the occupation of Historic Palestine. You will also find resources for unlearning and learning about the situation in Gaza to provide context to the October 7th attack on the State of Israel.

This guide was created in the hope of encouraging people to take action in a variety of ways for maximum impact. It also aims to shed light on the history of the creation of the State of Israel, the Free Palestine Movement and why the public is resisting the current stance of the UK and U.S. governments, amongst others. 

As an organisation firmly established to tackle racial inequality and oppression in all its forms, it’s our duty to speak out and support communities experiencing marginalisation who are impacted by adversity. The situation between the State of Israel and Palestine has become untenable, and the only way forward is through political solutions which start with a cease-fire and end with the State of Israel’s occupation of Historic Palestine. 

We will keep updating this guide with more resources each week. If you have a resource in mind that you can’t see here, please let us know, and we will include it.

Stop the Security and Policing Conference:

On March 12th-14th, 2024, the Security and Policing Conference will be held at the Farnborough Exhibition Centre. The conference will be hosting Elbit Systems, BAE Systems, Leonardo, L3Harris Technologies, and Airbus - all actively making weaponry and surveillance that Israel is using to continue its affront on the Palestinian people. 

Copwatch Network is calling on subcontractors and sponsors of the Security and Policing Conference to end their contracts, cut ties with the event and revoke their complicity in the ongoing genocide in Gaza, actively facilitated by the attendees of this conference. 


Copwatch Network calls on you to call, email and tweet to pressure subcontractors and event sponsors. You can find out how to get involved here. 


Support the Global Conscience Convoy:

The Global  Conscience Convoy now comprises delegations from 65 countries, from Japan to the US and South Africa to Norway. There are 139 organisations: political, environmental, feminist and rights groups; trade unions; relief and civil society organisations. In addition to 224 medical professionals, 133 journalists and 19 public figures: parliamentarians, artists, authors and hundreds of citizens worldwide. Many more have expressed their support or their endorsement of the convoy.

Click the following link to submit your support and to find out what you can do to demand that political leaders call for a permanent cease-fire. Submit your support here. 

There’s also a list of actions you can take supporting the call for a cease-fire, including the call for Egyptian authorities to open the Rafah crossing to Egypt with a guarantee that all Palestinians who exit Gaza must be guaranteed the right of return to their lands.

Join the Global Conscience Convoy and email the Egyptian Authorities using the template and contact information here. 

You can follow, support and amplify the Global Conscience Convoy on Instagram and X. 

Letters to your MP:

Humanti Project: is a grass-roots collective advocating for Palestinian liberation through sharing resources of knowledge and strategic actions to mount political pressure on the government to call for a permanent ceasefire and end the occupation of Palestine. You can find your MP and access a variety of open letters on their website here. 

Sign Open Letters:

Open letters have been written calling for the UK government to withdraw political and military support for the State of Israel. Some of these letters are specific to the industries you work in and can be signed by either an individual or on behalf of an organisation. You can add your name or organisation to the open letter by clicking the highlighted links.

U.K. based:

Internationally based:

Ireland:

U.S. based:

Open letters have been written calling for the UK government to withdraw political and military support for the State of Israel. Some of these letters are specific to the industries you work in and can be signed by either an individual or on behalf of an organisation. You can add your name or organisation to the open letter by clicking the highlighted links.

U.K. based:

Internationally based:

Ireland:

U.S. based:

Sign Petitions:

Donate to Organisations

Medical Aid for Palestinians: Donate  now
Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) partners with Palestinian communities to uphold their rights to health and dignity. They do this by developing effective, sustainable and locally-led healthcare services, providing medical aid during emergencies, and campaigning to break down the barriers to Palestinian health and healthcare today and for the future.  You can find out more about their work in Gaza here. 

Medecins Sans Frontiers (Doctors Without Borders): Donate to MSF Conflict Appeal now
MSF is an international humanitarian organisation providing medical care in over 70 countries. As of October 16th, MSF have evacuated some of their staff out of Gaza due to the severity of the bombardments. However, many of their Palestinian staff have chosen to stay, and they are continuing to treat the wounded at Gaza’s leading hospitals. You can find out more about their work in Gaza here.

Islamic Relief Fund UK: Palestine Emergency Appeal
Islamic Relief is a leading Muslim charity and an independent non-governmental organisation (NGO) founded in the UK in 1984 by medical doctors and activists. Since 1997, Islamic Relief has invested almost £109 million in humanitarian and development programmes to support Palestinian people. They are working closely with local partners and are preparing a humanitarian response, which is likely to initially focus on distributing medical supplies and survival items to the people of Gaza. You can find out more about their work here. 

Anera: Donate to their Help Gaza! Fund now
Since 1968, Anera has helped refugees and others hurt by conflicts in Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan live with purpose and hope. Anera, which has no political or religious affiliation, works on the ground with partners in Palestine (West Bank and Gaza), Lebanon and Jordan. They mobilise resources for immediate emergency relief and sustainable, long-term health, education, and economic development. Anera now delivers food and hygiene kits in Gaza, helping families displaced by the war. You can find out more about their work in Gaza here. 

U.N.R.W.A: Donate to their Gaza Emergency Appeal now
Following the 1948 War, UNRWA was established by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 302 (IV) of 8 December 1949 to carry out direct relief and work programmes for Palestine refugees. The Agency began operations on 1 May 1950. U.N.R.W. Health workers are currently stationed in Gaza and confirmed on Thursday, 19th October, that 16 of their workers have been killed since the war began. You can learn more about them and their recent work in Gaza here. 

Palestine Red Crescent Society: Donate to them now.
The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) is an officially recognised independent Palestinian National Society. It is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The Society, which operates in Palestine and the diaspora, is guided by the Geneva Conventions and the Movement’s Fundamental Principles, i.e. Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality. They are on the ground in Gaza and the West Bank, providing medical aid to civilians. You can learn about them and their recent work in Gaza here. 

Baitulmaal: Donate to their Palestine Emergency fund now 
Baitulmaal provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching humanitarian aid to under-served populations worldwide, regardless of faith or nationality. They’re currently distributing aid in Gaza and have local teams on the ground delivering aid such as hot meals, food packages and other emergency supplies to displaced families and families sheltering in their homes. You can find out more about them and the work they’re doing here.

Get Gaza Online:

Since the 7th of October, Gaza has faced at least three total communication blackouts, each lasting between 24-48 hours. During each of the blackouts, the State of Israel has increased their bombing of Gaza.

Step One
Download an E-Sim App:

  • Nomad
  • Airalo
  • Mogo
  • Holafly
  • Simply

Step Two
Choose the location and data package.

Step Three
Pay and email your QR code to gazasims@gmail.com

Full instructions can be found via @elisadoesstuff on Instagram. You can follow @mirna_elhelbawi, founder of Connecting Humanity, for all information and updates on this call-out.

Join a direct action group.

Culture Workers Against Genocide: A network of Arts and Culture workers for a free Palestine. You can find out about their calls to action and support their campaigns on Instagram here. 

Palestine Action: Is a pro-Palestinian protest network that uses civil disobedience tactics to shut down and disrupt multinational arms dealers. In particular, the group targets UK-based operations that provide weapons used in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Find out more about how you can join them here

Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT): This is a UK-based organisation working to end the international arms trade. You can take various actions to support their campaign against international arms trade. You can learn more about their campaign and a range of actions you can take here.

Haringey Pal Action: A Haringey and Tottenham-based group organising for a ceasefire and a free Palestine. You can learn more about their campaign calling for their local council to divest funding from genocide and other calls to action by following them on Instagram here.

Health Workers for Free Palestine: Consists of health workers fighting for a Free Palestine, demanding a permanent ceasefire, for the government to stop arming Israel and an end to the occupation of Historic Palestine and Gaza. You can learn more about them and support their calls to action here.

Parents for Palestine: U.K. parents from all backgrounds and denominations who have come together in response to the violence, devastation and death faced by Palestinians. You can learn about their calls to action and support them on Instagram here. 

Workers for a Free Palestine: Are a group of workers in Britain organising for a free Palestine. They have recently launched another workers group, Charity Workers for Palestine, which you can find out more information by following Workers for a Free Palestine on Instagram. You can follow them on Instagram and support their actions here.

Queers for Palestine: A Queer bloc supporting direct action for Palestine. You can follow them on Instagram and support their calls to action here. 

Join the Boycott, Sanctions and Divestment (BDS) Movement:

The Palestinian BDS National Committee (BNC) calls for a boycott of Israeli and international companies that are complicit in violations of Palestinian rights. 

Economic boycotts aim to put pressure on the State of Israel to comply with international law and to persuade private companies to end their participation in Israel’s crimes. 

You can boycott companies such as:

  • Disney: following Hamas’s attack on October 7th, Disney donated $2 million to organisations providing humanitarian relief in Israel.
  • Hewlett Packard: helps run the biometric ID system that Israel uses to restrict Palestinian movement.
     
  • Siemens: the planned construction of the EuroAsia Interconnector will link Israel’s electricity grid with Europe’s, allowing illegal settlements on stolen Palestinian land to benefit from the Israel-EU trade of electricity produced from fossil gas.
     
  • McDonald's: the Israeli franchise provided IDF soldiers with free burgers. 
     
  • Puma: sponsors the Israel Football Association, which includes teams in Israel’s illegal settlements on occupied Palestinian land.
     
  • SodaStream: is actively complicit in Israel's policy of displacing the indigenous Bedouin-Palestinian citizens of Israel in the Naqab (Negev). SodaStream has a long history of mistreatment of and discrimination against Palestinian workers.
     
  • Sabra: Sabra hummus is a joint venture between PepsiCo and the Strauss Group, an Israeli food company that provides financial support to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).
     
  • Starbucks: has sued the Workers United Union, saying their pro-Palestine post has damaged their reputation. 

Many other global brands, such as Marks & Spencer, Wix and H&M, face boycotts due to their provision of goods and services to the state of Israel. Find out more about this here.  

Some scholars and critics of the BDS movement have argued that boycotting these companies hinders economic prosperity and job creation across the region. The purpose of a boycott is to create financial loss and pressure a target to make behavioural change. In this instance, given the nature and scale of the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, boycotting can effectively influence companies to respond to what their consumers are telling them. 

You can find out more about the impact of the BDS movement here.

You can explore which brands to boycott by using this search engine, which has a complete list of brands complicit in the genocide of Palestinians and the occupation of Historic Palestine.

Find out how to effectively boycott here. 

You can join the movement for a cultural boycott.

The state of Israel overtly uses culture as a form of propaganda to whitewash or justify its regime of occupation, settler-colonialism and apartheid over the Palestinian people. This is why the BDS movement also calls for a cultural boycott, demanding that international venues and festivals reject funding and any form of sponsorship from the Israeli government.

You can find out more about cultural venues and festivals here. 

You can find out what cultural institutions are complicit in the genocide of Palestinians and the occupation of Historic Palestine here.

You can find out more about the cultural boycott within the BDS movement here.  

Israeli universities are major, willing and persistent accomplices of the state of Israel’s regime. To end this complicity in Israel’s violations of international law, Palestinian civil society has called for an academic boycott of Israeli educational institutions.

Examples of when Israeli universities have been complicit in apartheid and ethnic cleansing:

  • Technion (Israel Institute of Technology) develops military drone technologies and remote-controlled weaponised bulldozers used to demolish Palestinian homes.
     
  • Tel Aviv University was responsible for developing the "Dayhiya doctrine", which calls for disproportionate force against civilian infrastructure and which was implemented by the Israeli occupation forces in their massacres of Palestinians in Gaza.
     
  • Graduates of the Hebrew University’s Talpiot military program, sponsored by the Israeli Air Force and army, pursue higher education while serving in the army, utilising their expertise to further military research and development.

Current BDS Campaigns

Axa Divest:

BDS National Committee has set up a global campaign calling for governments, organisations and individuals to divest from Axa. BDS explains, "AXA’s investment in Israeli banks that finance Israel’s illegal settlements makes it complicit in grave violations of international law. 

Although AXA is a signatory of the UN Global Compact, it doesn’t comply with its principles. Israeli banks help create, sustain and grow illegal Israeli settlements, considered war crimes under international law. The French insurer promotes its ethical guidelines while violating them by investing in Israeli banks that finance illegal settlements. AXA has a globally responsible investment policy, including “sector guidelines” addressing “controversial weapons” and countries that pose a “political risk”. One would think that Israel’s apartheid and theft of Palestinian land would fit the criteria." You can find out more about the campaign and how you can support here.
 

Barclays: Don't Bank on Apartheid:

Palestine Solidarity Campaign has called for people to shut down their bank accounts at Barclays explaining "We’re calling on all concerned people to boycott all Barclays services until the bank ends its complicity in Israel’s attacks on Palestinians. On our first collective account closure day, 9 February, over 1500 people closed their bank accounts.

We’re asking everyone who still holds a Barclays account to pledge to close it on the 2nd mass account closure day, Thursday, 21 March, to have the most impact. Barclays NEEDS TO KNOW that you are boycotting it and to know why, so we’ve set up a simple way for you to inform the bank." You can find out more and pledge your support here.


You can act now against companies profiting from the genocide of the Palestinian people by following this guide here. 
 

Supporting Protests

Palestinian Youth Movement
Palestinian Youth Movement is a transnational, independent grassroots movement of Palestinian and Arab youth struggling to liberate their homeland. You can find out more about the work they’re doing and how to support them here. 

Palestinian Solidarity Campaign
Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) is a community of people working together for peace, equality, and justice and against racism, occupation, and colonisation. They’re the most prominent organisation in the UK dedicated to securing Palestinian human rights. They are currently organising a day of action and marches for peace nationwide. You can find out more about these here. 

Friends of Al-Aqsa
Friends of Al-Aqsa is a UK-based NGO demanding political change for Palestine. 
They have been at the forefront of campaigning for Palestine for 25 years. Their work is led by volunteers and based on international law and UN resolutions. They run BDS campaigns, advocate for Palestinian rights in parliament, host events, produce educational materials and support students in advocating for Palestinian rights. Recently, they’ve been organising national marches across the country.
You can find out more about the marches and the work they’re doing here. 

Black Liberation Alliance
Black Liberation Alliance is an alliance formed of African, Arab, Asian, Caribbean and/or other Black or Indigenous people advocating for international solidarity against imperialism. You can find out more about their actions for Palestine and join their *bloc here. 

Black Lives Matter UK
Black Lives Matter UK was formed in 2016. They are a member-led, campaigning organisation working towards collective liberation. They fight for all Black people, including working-class communities, here and worldwide. They fight against racism but also against capitalism and patriarchy. You can find out more about their work and *bloc announcements here.

Land in Our Names (LION)
Land in Our Names is a grassroots collective of Black and racialised people getting land through reparations. They are based in London, England, and work to reconnect Black and racialised people to land in the city and the countryside. Their work addresses the inequalities in access to land and food and reimagines land stewardship towards climate and racial justice. They’ve always advocated for Palestinian rights. More recently, they’ve supported national marches through their blocs. You can find out more about their work and upcoming blocs here.

Queers for Palestine
Queers for Palestine organises members of the LGBTQIA+ community to come together as a united   Queer *Bloc during protests and provide information on supporting direct action for Palestine. You can find out more about upcoming blocs here.

*Bloc refers to a section of a protest led by a group.

In Support of People Advocating for Palestinian Rights

Supporting Activists in the U.K.:

Legal Fees for Shutting Down ELBIT! Donate now.
This Crowdfunder is for the legal defence of Palestine Action activists who are taking direct action against Elite KL, a factory owned by Elbit Systems, Israel's largest weapons manufacturer. The factory makes crucial components for Israeli Merkava tanks, which are routinely used in attacks on Palestinian people. You can find out more about the fundraiser and donate here.

Goldsmiths for Palestine
A student-led group of Goldsmiths students and staff standing in solidarity with the Palestinian struggle for justice and liberation. You can find out about calls to action and how to support them on their Instagram here.

Legal Support:

European Legal Support Centre
European Legal Support Centre is an NGO providing free legal support to protect and empower advocates for Palestinian rights in Europe. You can contact them for legal advice, assistance and resources. You can find out more about them here.

Green and Black Cross (GBC)
Green and Black Cross (GBC) is an independent grassroots project. They are set up in the spirit of mutual aid and solidarity to support autonomous social struggles within the UK. They coordinate arrestee support, provide legal support at protests, set up Know Your Rights workshops, provide legal observer training and produce materials with legal information about your rights. You can find out more about their work and access their resources here.

Liberty
Liberty is an independent human rights organisation for everyone in the UK to be treated fairly, with dignity and respect. Their principles are guided by evidence, expertise and human impact. They’re not swayed by political agenda, profit or popular opinion. They’ve been providing information on people's legal rights in regard to Palestine and advocating for Palestinian rights. You can find out more about their work and access their resources here.

Netpol
Netpol seeks to monitor public order, protest, and street policing and to challenge and resist policing that is excessive, discriminatory, or threatens civil rights. They have built an inclusive network of activists, campaigners, lawyers and researchers to create a forum for sharing knowledge, experience and expertise. Through active campaigning, sharing knowledge, and building awareness, they aim to challenge policing strategies that are unnecessarily damaging to any sector of our society effectively. You can access their resources here.

The International Criminal Court (ICC)
The International Criminal Court (ICC) investigates and, where warranted, tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crimes of aggression. You can find out more about their work here.

The Campaign Against Censorship

Archive of Silence:
Crowdsourced archive documenting silenced voices in Germany. Link to our public list and submission form to share your story below.

Strike Germany:
STRIKE GERMANY upholds a commitment to liberationist struggle and against Germany’s embargo on internationalist solidarity. You can support their campaign against censorship and the calls for a permanent ceasefire via their Instagram here. 

Platforms and Communities

Amaliah: Amaliah.com is dedicated to amplifying the voices of Muslim women. Through their articles, videos, podcasts, and much more, their work seeks to bring these communities' many different voices and experiences to the surface. Follow their reporting on Palestine here.

Books for Palestine: A Book Community for Free Palestine. Supporting advocacy, education and raising awareness for Palestine. Follow Books for Palestine on Instagram here. 

Craving Palestine: An online marketplace and movement that showcases and celebrates Palestine's rich heritage, vibrant culture, and immense talent. Lama Bazzari and Farrah Abuasad founded them. Currently, they're using their platforms to cover the Israeli-Palestine conflict. You can follow Craving Palestine on Instagram here

Eye on Palestine: Online and news media platforms on Instagram, Facebook, X, Telegram and Threads.

J3WESS: Left-wing Jewish perspective on various issues about social justice. You can follow J3WESS on here.

Jewish Network for Palestine: A UK-based network that brings together Jews and allies in the UK who support Palestine. Learn more about the Jewish Network for Palestine’s work and community here.

Jewish Voice for Peace: Jewish Voice for Peace is the world's largest progressive Jewish anti-Zionist organisation. Find out more about Jewish Voice for Peace and their work here.

Na’amod: Are British Jews seeking to end our community's support for the occupation in the struggle for freedom and justice for all Palestinians and Israelis. Find out more about Na’amod and their work here.

Slow Factory: Slow Factory is an award-winning platform radically imagining and creating solutions to the intersecting crises of climate justice and human rights through cultural change, science and design. The scope of our work is both broad and deep. They have been posting extensively about the Find out more about Slow Factory and their work here.

Standing Together: Is a grassroots movement mobilising Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel in pursuit of peace, equality, and social and climate justice. Find out more about Standing Together and their work here.

Organisations Rebuilding Palestine During the Occupation

Many of these organisations have been building community and dialogue, creating opportunities and upskilling people affected by the occupation. Whilst some have had to pause their work during the current siege, their work is worth following and learning about. Some of these organisations also provide global volunteering opportunities.  

Build Palestine: Build Palestine supports the social innovation sector in Palestine by connecting individuals looking to support innovative projects with those impacting their communities. You can donate and support Build Palestine’s work here

Tech 2 Peace: Tech2Peace provides high-tech and entrepreneurial training alongside conflict dialogue to young Palestinians and Israelis. You can donate and support Tech 2 Peace’s work here. 

ReBootKamp (RBK): ReBootKAMP (RBK) is an immersive, durable skills accelerator with programs in Jordan, Tunisia, Iraq, Gaza and the West Bank. You can follow RBK on LinkedIn here. 

Gaza Sky Geeks: Since 2011, Gaza Sky Geeks have propelled Palestine’s digital economy and future technology leaders to transcend borders through cutting-edge peer-led education and true grit. You can support Gaza Sky Geeks and their work here. 


Learning and Unlearning

Articles:

Allyship:

Antisemitism:

Anti-Zionism and Zionism:

Censorship:

Ethnic Cleansing:

Free Palestine Movement:

Hamas:

Imperialism:

Islamophobia:

Apartheid:

Media:

Palestine, its people and history:

Proxy-Wars:

Settler Colonialism:

Solidarity:

Books:

Arab and Jew: Wounded Spirits in a Promised Land by David K. Shipler
In this monumental work, extensively researched and more relevant than ever, David Shipler delves into the origins of the prejudices that exist between Jews and Arabs that have been intensified by war, terrorism, and nationalism. Focusing on the diverse cultures that exist side by side in Israel and Israeli-controlled territories, Shipler examines the process of indoctrination that begins in schools; he discusses the far-ranging effects of socioeconomic differences, historical conflicts between Islam and Judaism, attitudes about the Holocaust, and much more. And he writes of the people: the Arab woman in love with a Jew, the retired Israeli military officer, the Palestinian guerrilla, the handsome actor whose father is Arab and whose mother is Jewish. Buy Arab and Jew Wounded Spirits in a Promised Land on Abe Books.

I Saw Ramallah by Mourid Barghouti

Barred from his homeland after 1967’s Six-Day War, the poet Mourid Barghouti spent thirty years in exile — shuttling among the world’s cities, yet secure in none of them, separated from his family for years at a time, never sure whether he was a visitor, a refugee, a citizen, or a guest. As he returns home for the first time since the Israeli occupation, Barghouti crosses a wooden bridge over the Jordan River into Ramallah and is unable to recognise the city of his youth. Sifting through memories of the old Palestine as they come up against what he now encounters in this mere “idea of Palestine,” he discovers what it means to be deprived not only of a homeland but of “the habitual place and status of a person.” Read an excerpt from I Saw Ramallah here.

Minor Detail by Adania Shibl
Minor Detail begins during the summer of 1949, one year after the war that the Palestinians mourn as the Nakba – the catastrophe that led to the displacement and expulsion of more than 700,000 people – and the Israelis celebrate as the War of Independence. Israeli soldiers capture and rape a young Palestinian woman and kill and bury her in the sand. Many years later, a woman in Ramallah becomes fascinated to the point of obsession with this ‘minor detail’ of history. A haunting meditation on war, violence and memory, Minor Detail cuts to the heart of the Palestinian experience of dispossession, life under occupation, and the persistent difficulty of piecing together a narrative in the face of ongoing erasure and disempowerment. Buy Minor Detail at Bookshop.org.

Ten Myths About Israel by Ilan Pappé
The “ten myths” that Pappe explores—repeated endlessly in the media, enforced by the military, accepted without question by the world’s governments—reinforce the regional status quo. He explores the claim that Palestine was an empty land at the time of the Balfour Declaration, as well as the formation of Zionism and its role in the early decades of nation-building. He asks whether the Palestinians voluntarily left their homeland in 1948 and whether June 1967 was a war of “no choice.” Turning to the myths surrounding the failures of the Camp David Accords and the official reasons for the attacks on Gaza, Pappe explains why the two-state solution is no longer viable. Buy Ten Myths About Israel at Bookshop.org.

The Balfour Declaration by Jonathan Schneer
Issued in London in 1917, the Balfour Declaration was one of the critical documents of the twentieth century. It committed Britain to supporting the establishment in Palestine of “a National Home for the Jewish people,” and its reverberations continue to be felt to this day. Now, the entire fascinating story of the document is revealed in this impressive work of modern history. With new material retrieved from historical archives, Jonathan Schneer recounts in dramatic detail the public and private fight for a small strip of land in the Middle East. This battle started when the Ottoman Empire took Germany’s side in World War I. Buy The Balfour Declaration at Bookshop.org.

They Called Me A Lioness by Ahed Tamimi and Dena Takruri
Ahed Tamimi, a Palestinian activist jailed at sixteen after a confrontation with Israeli soldiers, illuminates the daily struggles of life under occupation in this moving, deeply personal memoir. Buy They Called Me a Lioness at Buuks.

The Land of Hope and Fear by Isabel Kershner
Despite Israel’s determination to stay in power in a hostile environment, its military might, and the innovation it fosters in businesses globally, the country is more divided than ever. In The Land of Hope and Fear, we meet Israelis: Jews and Arabs, religious and secular, Eastern and Western, liberals and zealots — plagued by perennial conflict and existential threats, citizens who remain deeply polarised politically, socially, and ideologically, even as they undergo generational change and redefine what it is to be an Israeli. Buy The Land of Hope and Fear at Daunt Books.
 

The Palestine Laboratory by Antony Loewenstein
Israel's military-industrial complex uses the occupied Palestinian territories as a testing ground for weaponry and surveillance technology that they then export around the world to despots and democracies. Buy The Palestine Laboratory at Verso Books.  

Films:

Breaking the Silence Video Testimonies (2016)
Breaking the Silence is an organisation of veteran combatants who have served in the Israeli military since 2002 and have taken it upon themselves to expose the Israeli public to the reality of everyday life in the Occupied Territories. You can watch Breaking the Silence Video Testimonies here. 

Budrus: It Takes a Village to Unite the Most Divided People on Earth (2010)
Budrus is a documentary film about a Palestinian community organiser, Ayed Morrar, who unites local Fatah and Hamas members along with Israeli supporters in an unarmed movement to save his village of Budrus from destruction by Israel’s Separation Barrier. It offers an excellent insight into Israeli and Palestinian non-violent activism. You can watch Budrus: It Takes a Village to Unite the Most Divided People on Earth on Vimeo.

Jenin, Jenin (2003)
Director Mohammad Bakri’s Jenin Jenin is an up-close walk with several of the inhabitants of Jenin, Palestine, who, on April 2, 2002, experienced the power of the Israeli Defense Forces as the IDF ploughed into the city. You can watch Jenin, Jenin on Vimeo here. 

Promises (2001)
Several Jewish and Palestinian children are followed for three years and put in touch with each other in this alternative look at the Jewish-Palestinian conflict. You can watch Promises on Apple TV here.

Rebel Architecture: The Architecture of Violence (2014)
Israeli architect Eyal Weizman explains how architecture plays a crucial role in Israel’s occupation of Palestine and modern warfare. “Architecture and the built environment is a kind of slow violence. The occupation is an environment that was conceived to strangulate Palestinian communities, villages and towns, to create an environment that would be unliveable for the people there,” says Weizman. You can watch Rebel Architecture: The Architecture of Violence on YouTube here. 

The Present (2020)
On his wedding anniversary, Yusef and his young daughter set out to buy his wife a gift in the West Bank. Between soldiers, segregated roads and checkpoints, how easy would it be to go shopping? The Present is a film written by Farah Nabulsi and was nominated for an Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film. You can watch The Present on Amazon Prime here. 

The Price of Oslo (2013)
This two-part documentary traces the secret road to the Oslo Accords, telling the story of negotiations in the political shadows and searching for common ground amid a region in turmoil. At the centre of it all was an unlikely mediator: the Scandinavian country of Norway. You can watch The Price of Oslo series on Aljazeera here. 

Graphic Designers and Illustrators:

Aude Abou Nasr: Is a French-Lebanese illustrator living in Marseille who weaves activism into her illustrations. She’s been creating illustrations focusing on the situation in Gaza. You can follow and support Aude’s work on Instagram here. 

Chiara VZ: Is an illustrator, graphic designer and graffiti artist from Beirut based in Urbino. She has collaborated with Aude Abou Nasr to create protest art for Palestine. You can follow and support Chiara’s work on Instagram here.

Khadija Said: Is a Spark Community Ambassador, illustrator and activist who creates artwork often documenting the migrant experience, amplifying marginalised voices and stories. Her artwork often highlights underreported stories and uses her platform to bring attention to racial injustice. You can follow and support Khadija’s work on Instagram here.

Malaak Mattar: Is a Palestinian painter and author of Sitti’s Bird. Her work documents the Palestinian experience, and has been using her platform to advocate for Palestinians. You can follow and support Malaak’s work on Instagram here. 

Mona Chalabi: Is an award-winning writer and illustrator. Using words, colour and sound, Mona rehumanises data to help us understand our world and how we live in it. Mona has been breaking down the data from the recent siege of Palestine. You can follow and support Mona’s work on Instagram here.

Sliman Mansour: Is a renowned Palestinian artist who uses his art to express Palestinians' relationship with their land, often highlighting the history of Palestine, using symbols of resistance and peace used in Palestinian culture. You can follow and support Sliman’s work on Instagram here.

Shirien: Is a Palestinian designer and illustrator based in Chicago. Shirien’s artwork memorialises and celebrates innocent lives lost to state violence, colonialism and imperialism. Her artwork gained prominence ever since the uprisings in Minneapolis following the murder of George Floyd. Over the past few years, she’s been creating vibrant portraits shedding light on the injustices people and communities face worldwide. You can follow and support Shirien’s work on Instagram here

News publications:

Aljazeera: Al Jazeera is a Qatari state-owned Arabic- and English-language international news television network. It is based in Doha and operated by the Al Jazeera Media Network. You can explore their platform here.

Arab Studies Institute: Arab Studies Institute is a non-profit organisation that produces knowledge on matters related to the Arab world and its relations. It is an institute in its own right and an umbrella organisation for five other subsidiaries: the Arab Studies Journal, Jadaliyya, Quilting Point, FAMA (Forum on Arab and Muslim Affairs), and Tadween Publishing. You can explore their platform here.

Double Down News: Double Down News is a British alternative media outlet founded in 2017 by Yannis Mendez. Funded through Patreon, it produces interviews and short films from a left-wing perspective. You can explore their platform here.

Eye on Palestine: It is an independent news outlet covering Palestine. They’ve been capturing the situation in Gaza on the ground as it is happening. You can explore their platform here. 

Novara Media: Novara Media is an independent, left-wing alternative media organisation based in the United Kingdom. They’ve been covering the siege on Gaza, censorship, and the public, military, and political response to the occupation of Historical Palestine. You can explore their platform here.

Mondoweiss: Mondoweiss is an independent website that informs readers about developments in Israel/Palestine and related US foreign policy. They provide news and analysis regarding the struggle for Palestinian human rights unavailable through the mainstream media. You can explore their platform here.

The Institute of Middle-East Understanding:
The Institute for Middle East Understanding (IMEU) is an independent non-profit organisation providing journalists with quick access to information about Palestine and the Palestinians and expert sources in the United States and the Middle East. Both through its website and staff, the IMEU works with journalists to increase the public's understanding of the socio-economic, political, and cultural aspects of Palestine, Palestinians, and Palestinian Americans. You can explore their platform here.

People to follow

Palestinian Voices:

Aborjelaa: Is a Gazan video creator currently based in Gaza who has been documenting the unfolding genocide instigated by the State of Israel. He’s been sharing news from a people-centred perspective, showing the emotional and physical impact that the genocide is having on the Palestinian people as it happens. You can support, follow and amplify Aborjelaa’s here.

Adnan Baraq: Is a Palestinian visual storyteller and bi-lingual content creator. You can support, follow and amplify Adnan’s work here.

Afaf Ahmed:
Has been posting as and when she can about the daily struggles of living in Gaza under violent occupation. In particular, sharing personal updates and essential information about what is happening on the ground. You can support, follow and amplify Afaf here.

Ahmed Eldin: Is a Palestinian storyteller and Emmy-nominated journalist. He’s been highlighting Israeli propaganda and is host of Free the P podcast, a podcast series of candid conversations about Palestine. You can support, follow and amplify Ahmed’s work here.

Ahmed Hijazi: Is a Gazan video journalist documenting the current situation in Gaza as it unfolds. He’s been capturing moments of devastation and joy, showing the resilience and radical hope embedded in the Palestinian people. You can support, follow and amplify Ahmed here. 

Ahmad: Is a Palestinian videographer making informative videos about the world. Recently, he’s created videos about censorship, islamophobia and challenging the narrative being set by Western media outlets concerning Palestine. You can support, follow and amplify Ahmad’s work here.

Ali Jadallah: Is an award-winning photographer and videographer who has been documenting the siege on Gaza and the unfolding genocide. His photography and videos capture the sheer devastation caused by the IOF. You can support, follow and amplify Ali’s work here.

Belal Khaled:
Is a Palestinian artist, calligrapher, photographer and videographer. He’s currently documenting the siege on Gaza and has had his work published by the Guardian, Time Magazine, Wall Street Journal and Aljazeera. You can support, follow and amplify Belal’s work here.

Dena Takruri: Is a Palestinian-American journalist, on-air presenter, and digital producer with AJ+, an online news service owned by Al Jazeera Media Network. She co-authors " They Called Me A Lioness: A Palestinian Girl’s Fight For Freedom.” She’s been sharing updates about Ahed Tamimi, a Palestinian activist and Israeli citizen, who has recently been arrested by the Israeli Occupying Force (IOF). You can support, follow and amplify Dena’s work here. 

Hareth Yousef: Is a Palestinian visual artist currently studying Experimental and Documentary Arts at Duke University. He uses photography and film to document the daily experiences of Palestinians, illuminating their human experience that is often overlooked by the international media. Yousef's art has been exhibited in numerous collective and individual exhibitions and publications in the United States, Europe, and Palestine. You can support, follow and amplify Hareth’s work here.

Hani Abu Rezeq: Is a journalist based in Gaza who covers social issues related to current events among the youth. He’s been covering the siege on Gaza as it unfolds. You can support, follow and amplify Hani’s work here.

Hind Khoudary:
Is a Palestinian journalist based in Gaza. She has been documenting what has been happening on the ground in Gaza, covering the siege on Gaza and the impact it has had on civilians and the infrastructure. You can support, follow and amplify Hind’s work here. 

Jenan Matari: Is an award-winning Palestinian storyteller and producer advocating for Palestinian rights. She’s been creating resources to support Gaza and The West Bank, in particular, putting the spotlight on organisations to support and the emotional turmoil that Palestinians are going through as a result of government complicity and inaction. You can support, follow and amplify Jenan’s work here.

Mariam Barghouti: Is a Palestinian writer and researcher based in Ramallah. She worked as a journalist and reporter focusing on the Levant and published various sociopolitical commentaries from Palestine. She has undertaken monitoring and evaluation missions of humanitarian and development aid in Jordan, Palestine, and Lebanon for various governmental and non-governmental organisations. You can support, follow and amplify Mariam’s work here. 

Motaz Azaiza: Is a Gazan photojournalist, photographer, and filmmaker providing on-the-ground coverage of the siege in Gaza. He offers a visual insight into the impact that the siege is having on the Palestinian people, infrastructure and land. You can support, follow and amplify Motaz’s work here.  

Mohamed El Kurd: Is a Palestinian activist, writer and poet. He gained international attention for his involvement in the protests against the forced evictions in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of East Jerusalem. You can support, follow and amplify Mohamed’s work here.

Mohammed Alaloul: Is a Gazan cameraman based in Gaza. He’s been documenting the genocide as it unfolds in Gaza. Sharing glimpses of the reality that Palestinians are facing on the ground. You can support, follow and amplify Mohammed’s work here. 

Muna El Kurd: Is a Palestinian activist and writer from Sheikh Jarrah who gained prominence alongside her brother Mohamed El Kurd for their response to the forced evictions in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of East Jerusalem. You can support, follow and amplify Muna’s work here.

Noura Erakat: Is a Palestinian-American Author, Professor and Human Rights Lawyer. She has been a prominent voice in the Free Palestine movement and has been advocating for a permanent cease-fire and end to the violent occupation of Historic Palestine. You can support, follow and amplify Noura’s work here. 

Plestia Alaqad: Is a Gazan journalist covering the situation as it happens in real-time Gaza. She has been showing the aftermath of the devastation caused by the IDF, as well as documenting how Palestinians are responding to the violence they’re being subjected to, showing small snippets of hope in videos of people just trying to make the best out of their situation and the innocence of children. You can support, follow and amplify Plestia’s work here. 

Rashida Tlaib: Is a Muslim Palestinian-American Democratic politician based in Detroit, Michigan, United States. She strongly advocates for Palestinian rights and is the first and only politician of Palestinian descent serving in the U.S. Senate. You can support, follow and amplify Rashida’s advocacy here.  

Saleh Aljafarawi: Is a Gazan blogger and singer who has been covering the news in Gaza as it happens, showing the devastating effect the siege on Gaza is having on his community. You can support, follow and amplify Saleh’s work here. 

Salma Shawa: Is a Gazan social media manager based in Boston. She’s been pushing people on social media to think critically about what is happening in Gaza, creating TikToks and other pieces of content providing context to the genocide and the response to it. You can support, follow and amplify Salma’s work here.

Sara Al Saqqa: Is a Gazan general surgeon who worked at Al-Shifaa Hospital in Gaza. They’ve been posting about the daily struggles of providing medical care and living in Gaza under siege. You can support, follow and amplify Sara’s story here.

Subhi: Is a Palestinian-American social media strategist and founder of Dar Collective. He’s been sharing, spotlighting and amplifying information about the occupation of Historic Palestine, including the unfolding genocide in Gaza and The West Bank, as well as creating informative content to provide context to the current situation.  You can support, follow and amplify Subhi’s work here. 

Wael Al Dahdouh: Wael Al-Dahdouh is a Palestinian journalist and the bureau chief of Al Jazeera in Gaza City. He lost his entire family after the house they were staying in was hit by the IDF. He found it live on air, and despite his tremendous loss, he has been covering the siege on Gaza. You can support, follow and amplify Wael’s work on Instagram here.

Wizard Bisan:  Is a Gazan journalist who has been covering the news as it happens in Gaza. She has given candid accounts of the actual impact that the siege in Gaza is having on its people, showing how the communities are reliant on aid, do not have access to water, fuel and electricity and is trying to survive under the violent occupation of Historic Palestine. You can support, follow and amplify Wizard’s work here.

Yara Eid: Is a Palestinian war journalist and human rights advocate born in Gaza and raised in London. They’ve been extensively covering and amplifying the voices of Gazans both on the ground and from London. You can support, follow and amplify Yara’s work here.

Yousef Mema: Is a Palestinian human rights activist, nurse and journalist based in Gaza City. He has been posting updates in response to the news on Gaza, helping people discern what is happening on the ground and what is being talked about on the news. You can support, follow and amplify Yousef’s work here.

International Voices:

Aja Monet: Is a Black American surrealist blues poet based in Brooklyn, New York, USA. She’s been working with Jewish Voice for Peace, organising for Palestinian rights in the USA, calling for a permanent cease-fire and the opening of the Rafah crossing with the guarantee that all Palestinians who leave can return to their land. You can follow and support the work Aja is doing here.

Barnaby Raine: Is a Jewish academic and activist who has been outspoken about the history of the occupation of Historic Palestine. You can follow Barnaby on X here.

Bree Newsome: Is a Black American activist, filmmaker, and speaker from Charlotte, North Carolina. She gained prominence after taking down a Confederate Flag following the massacre of eight Black parishioners at the hands of a white supremacist. Throughout the years, she has consistently spoken out against colonialism, imperialism and the manifestations of systemic oppression in all its forms. You can follow Bree on X here. 

Fariha Roisin: Is a writer and poet born in Toronto, Canada and raised in a Muslim family to Bengali parents in Sydney, Australia. Throughout the years, she has often amplified the voices of marginalised people and has been very vocal about the violent occupation of Historic Palestine. You can follow Fariha on Instagram here.

Indyaa Moore: An actor and model of Haitian, Puerto Rican and Dominican ancestry, has been vocal about their support for Palestine. Not only posting across their social media pages and amplifying the voices of Palestinians and anti-Zionist Jewish people, but they’ve also supported Jewish Voice for Peace during their protests, including the sit-in at Central Grand Station. You can follow Indyaa on Instagram here

Khelani: Is an American musician with Native-American, African-American and Spanish roots. They have been amplifying Palestinian voices and calling for a cease-fire across their social media channels. They’ve also hosted Instagram Lives and supported direct action in the US, demanding a peaceful resolution. You can follow Khelani on Instagram here.

Lowkey: Is a British-Iraqi activist and rapper from London. He has advocated for the Palestinian people's rights for over ten years. He is a patron of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and a vocal critic of Zionism. His platform highlights the struggle of people living under Israeli apartheid. You can follow Lowkey on Instagram here. 

Mikky Blanco: Is a Black American rapper, performance artist, poet and activist. They have been using their platform to amplify Palestinian voices and speak on the matter themselves. You can follow Mikky Blanco on Instagram here. 

Moya Lothiam-Mclean: Is a journalist and content specialist based in London. They’ve written for the likes of gal-dem and Novara Media. They focus on writing about amplifying underreported stories and marginalised voices. You can follow Moya Lothiam on Instagram here.

Saul Williams: Is a poet and musician who has been amplifying Palestinian voices. He’s been using his platform to advocate for Palestinian rights, highlighting the broader context of apartheid, racism and imperialism. You can follow Saul on Instagram here.

Ta-Nehesi Coates: Is a Black American author and journalist. After Coates travelled to Israel and Palestine earlier this year, he felt responsible for speaking out on what he witnessed. Speaking to Democracy Now! He said, “There’s no way for me as an African American to come back and stand before you, to witness segregation and not say anything about it.” You can watch Ta-Nehesi on Democracy Now! here.

Warsan Shire:
Is a writer and poet with Somali heritage who was born in Kenya and raised in Britain. Over the past few weeks, she’s been using her platform to amplify the voices of Palestinians and share educational insights in the form of speeches, poems and news extracts from anti-racist advocates, abolitionists and human rights campaigners, amongst others. You can follow Warsan’s work on Instagram here.

Podcasts

Diaspora Podcast
From Jewish Voice for Peace, this monthly podcast explores some of the big concepts animating progressive Jewish life.

Gaza Guy
Gaza Guy with 'Moe Moussa' is a journalist and poet based in Gaza. Moe discusses different topics on his podcast: art, poetry, Palestine, Gaza, cultures, and more.

Palestinians Podcast
This podcast follows everyday stories about Palestinians living all over the world.

The +972 Podcast
Dive past the headlines in Israel-Palestine with journalists, activists, experts, and politicians who explore the issues and stories other outlets tend to ignore.

The Mondoweiss Podcast
This podcast covers Palestinians' stories of occupation, resistance and hope, which show us how the world's struggles interconnect.

This is Palestine
This podcast, an Institute for Middle East Understanding (IMEU) project, highlights people, issues, and events around Palestine. It focuses on bringing people stories from on the ground in Palestine, hosting speakers who are experts and activists to bring unique perspectives and analyses about Palestine from across the world.

Rethinking Palestine
Rethinking Palestine is a podcast from Al-Shabaka: The Palestinian Policy Network, a transnational think tank that aims to foster public debate on Palestinian human rights and self-determination. We draw upon the vast knowledge and experience of the Palestinian people, whether in Palestine or in exile, to put forward strong and diverse Palestinian policy voices.

Stories From Palestine Podcast
This podcast comes from Kristel, a Dutch tour guide who fell in love with a Palestinian man and moved to Palestine seven years ago. She lives in Beit Safafa, a town between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Her family home is between the green and boundary lines between Israel and the West Bank. Since the pandemic, they decided to take people on a virtual tour. Kristel shares unexpected and inspiring stories about the history of Palestine, its heritage, nature, and her life experiences.

Videos

Jewish Voices

Palestinian Voices

International Voices

This guide was created by the Spark & Co. team in collaboration with our community members.