Open letter from Femmes du Monde à Côte-des-Neiges on the situation in Palestine

We encourage other community organizations, especially feminist organizations, to take a position and share the following letter.

In these difficult times, it is crucial to take a moment to reflect on the media coverage of Hamas’ attack on Israel. While current events are disturbing and tragic, it is essential not to forget the broader context and recognize the right of Palestinians to self-determination.

We need to ensure that information is presented in a balanced and unbiased manner. Palestinians have lived for decades under Israeli occupation, marked by suffering on both sides. It is imperative that this situation not be reduced to a single Hamas attack.

Palestinians have an indisputable right to self-determination, just like other peoples in the Middle East. This right must be respected and supported by the international community. Peace can only be achieved through constructive dialogue and negotiations.

It is our responsibility as a society to promote understanding, compassion and encourage peaceful solutions to this conflict. The media plays a central role in shaping our perception, and we need to make sure that this perception is based on a deep and nuanced understanding of the situation.

With this in mind, let us remember that every loss of life, whether Israeli or Palestinian, is a tragedy. We must work towards a future where the two peoples can coexist peacefully and enjoy their rights to self-determination.

We are committed to upholding the values of intersectional feminism, anti-imperialism, and decolonization. These values guide our work, as we believe in justice that transcends borders and recognizes the links between sexism, racism, other forms of discrimination, and power relations, which we seek to address in an integrated way.

It is undeniable that Palestinians face systematic discrimination in their own territory. The establishment of the State of Israel and its policies towards the Palestinians are part of a colonial approach, challenging the principles of justice and equality.

Since 1948, Israel has persistently violated international law, despite the decision of the International Court of Justice and United Nations resolutions. The military occupation of the West Bank and Gaza since 1967, the construction of walls turning these areas into open-air prisons, the continued colonization, as well as the actions of the Israeli army against Palestinian civilians and the war crimes committed during various operations cannot be ignored. The treatment of Palestinians by the State of Israel can be compared to an apartheid system, an unacceptable reality.

We also strongly condemn the practice of collective punishment imposed by Israel, which severely affects the daily lives of Palestinians by restricting their access to essential resources, education, health and mobility. This policy cannot be justified and goes against the fundamental principles of dignity and respect for human rights that we defend.

We reaffirm the importance of hearing the voices of Palestinians, knowing their stories and listening to their aspirations in any effort to end this conflict. We believe that our action, rooted in intersectional feminism, can help build a more just and equal world for everyone, everywhere.

Let us commit to working together for a future where Palestinian women, like all women, can live without fear, in dignity and peace. Peace in Palestine is a feminist cause, a humanitarian cause and a cause for a better world.

Our goal is to support the search for a peaceful, negotiated and lasting solution, based on mutual respect, security and justice for all the peoples of the region.

With this in mind, let us call for an immediate ceasefire and encourage diplomatic efforts to resolve the various issues, including the final status of Jerusalem, borders, and the right of return of Palestinian refugees.

 

With all our solidarity,

Femmes du monde à Côte-des-Neiges