RaqsNews Stands in Solidarity with Palestine
Resources, Links, and Actions to Support Palestine
The following article was adapted with permission from Sheyla and the al Raqs Conference. I am very grateful for this article and the resources gathered by Sheyla. Thank you.
You can jump to any of the following topics in this article below:
Conversations About Palestine | What Can I Do Right Now? | Donations | Educate | Support | Activists
It has been more than a year since the start of Israel’s ongoing assault against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. Israeli state aggression is actively increasing in Lebanon and the North of Gaza as well as in the West Bank. As we witness the unimaginable, and many of us in “the West” see our own government’s silence and complicity with this violence, we choose to listen to the humanitarian call as artists and dancers and stand in solidarity with Palestinian and Lebanese people for life, culture, sovereignty, and resistance.
RaqsNews commits to take the following actions to support Palestinian resistance, life, and freedom at this pivotal time:
Sharing resources
Share and amplify Palestinian arts and artists, stories, and voices
Commit to diversity and antiracism
Conversations About Palestine in Our Dance Community
In the global Middle Eastern dance community, conversations about Palestine are becoming increasingly important. For many dancers, particularly those specializing in dances from the Middle East, North Africa, Hellenic, and Turkish regions (commonly referred to as MENAHT), the question of how to address political and humanitarian issues through cultural art forms is a meaningful and often complex one.
A central concern is how teachers and performers can thoughtfully speak to students about Palestine while honoring the cultural roots of the dances they share. It’s a delicate balance between cultural appreciation, respect for heritage, and an awareness of present-day realities. For many, Palestine is not just a political issue—it is part of the cultural and emotional fabric of the region they represent through movement and performance.
Dancers and educators navigating this terrain often encounter pushback. One artist shared at the al Raqs Conference, “Straight after putting pro-Palestine stuff up, I got blocked,” highlighting the risk of censorship in digital and public platforms when speaking out. Yet, in the face of such challenges, many maintain a firm and compassionate stance. As one voice in the community put it, “Regardless, I think you already realize I’m very pro-Palestine,” affirming that advocacy and identity are deeply intertwined.
Art is a powerful medium for connection, and for dancers who represent MENAHT cultures, their expression is inherently political and personal. This connection brings a sense of responsibility. As Melissa shared during Al Raqs 2023, “I do feel that it is a responsibility. If you are partaking in the culture, if you are taking from this culture for your own enjoyment or for your livelihood, you’re making money off of this. I think it’s wise to use our voice in the best way that we can.”
At the same time, there’s a recognition that advocacy looks different for everyone. Dancers are encouraged to align their activism with their energy and well-being. As Menwa expressed, “Everyone is doing enough in their own way and within their own context... The minimum that you can do, and it’s not even minimum, it’s important, is focus on you, protect you, protect your energy... This is what we really need.”
These conversations underscore a collective desire in the dance world to remain rooted in integrity, empathy, and cultural truth. For many, dance is more than performance—it is a bridge between cultures, a call for justice, and a vessel for collective healing.
What can we do, right now?
Check out more specific options what can you do, right now, to help Palestinians that are under the everyday war.
1. Educate Yourself and Others
Learn about the history and current events in Palestine through books, documentaries, and reputable news sources.
Share educational resources with your network to raise awareness about the Palestinian cause.
2. Donate to Humanitarian Organizations
Support organizations that provide aid to Palestinians.
Focus on organizations that provide food, medical care, education, and other essential services to affected communities.
3. Support Palestinian Businesses and Artists
Buy goods from Palestinian artisans, businesses, and brands, whether it’s online or through local shops.
Support Palestinian filmmakers, musicians, and artists by sharing their work, attending their events, and purchasing their creations.
4. Participate in Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Movement
The BDS movement calls for the boycott of products and companies complicit in the occupation, divestment from corporations profiting from it, and sanctions against the Israeli government. Research which companies to boycott and share this information with others.
5. Advocate Through Social Media
Use social platforms to amplify Palestinian voices and raise awareness about ongoing issues.
Follow and share content from Palestinian activists and organizations to keep the conversation going.
6. Attend or Organize Protests and Events
Join local demonstrations or rallies in support of Palestine.
If there are no events in your area, consider organizing a peaceful protest, cultural event, or public discussion to highlight the Palestinian cause.
7. Write to Political Leaders
Contact local and national politicians to encourage them to take action on issues related to Palestine, such as ending arms sales or pushing for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
US dancers can leverage 5Calls.Org to help you find and connect with your representatives.
Participate in campaigns that urge governments to apply pressure to respect international law.
8. Volunteer with Humanitarian Organizations
Some organizations allow volunteers to contribute their time, skills, or expertise to support Palestinian communities directly, either on the ground or remotely.
9. Support Palestinian Refugees
Many Palestinians live as refugees. Support initiatives and charities that focus on improving the lives of Palestinian refugees by providing shelter, food, and education.
10. Engage in Dialogue
Have conversations with people in your community to spread awareness about the Palestinian situation.
Facilitate constructive dialogues to help others understand the complexity of the issue while promoting empathy and compassion.
EDUCATE
Books
The Question of Palestine by Edward Said
Palestine: A Four Thousand Year History by Nur Masalha
The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine by Ilan Pappé
Mornings in Jenin by Susan Abulhawa
My Father Was a Freedom Fighter: Gaza’s Untold Story by Ramzy Baroud
Palestine Inside Out: An Everyday Occupation by Saree Makdisi
The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi
Documentaries
No Other Land (2024) - Academy-award winning documentary
This film made by a Palestinian-Israeli collective shows the destruction of the occupied West Bank's Masafer Yatta by Israeli soldiers and the alliance which develops between the Palestinian activist Basel and Israeli journalist Yuval.
On his wedding anniversary, Yusef and his young daughter set out in the West Bank to buy his wife a gift. Between soldiers, segregated roads and checkpoints, how easy would it be to go shopping?
A beautiful portrait of everyday Gazan citizens, leading meaningful lives beyond the rubble of perennial conflict.
Gaza Fights for Freedom (2019)
Filmed during the height of the Great March Of Return protests, it features exclusive footage of demonstrations and the violence inflicted on them on March 30, 2018.
Naila and the Uprising chronicles the remarkable journey of Naila Ayesh whose story weaves through the most vibrant, nonviolent mobilization in Palestinian history -- the First Intifada in the late 1980s.
A small Palestinian village bought 18 cows and stopped buying Israeli milk.
A documentary on a Palestinian farmer's chronicle of his nonviolent resistance to the actions of the Israeli army.
Occupation 101: Voices of the Silenced Majority (2006)
A thought-provoking and powerful documentary film on the current and historical root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and U.S. political involvement.
Documentary about the 2002 deadly confrontations between armed Israeli soldiers and Palestinians in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin.
Instagram accounts to follow
@darzahdesigns
Darzah is a non-profit promoting Palestinian heritage through hand-embroidered shoes, bags, and home décor made by women artisans in the West Bank.
Instagram
@tatreezandtea
Tatreez & Tea focuses on preserving Palestinian embroidery (tatreez) and shares Palestinian history, culture, and craft with a global audience.
Instagram
@palestinianthreads
Palestinian Threads promotes traditional Palestinian clothing and embroidery, preserving the rich cultural heritage through fashion.
Instagram
@canaanpalestine
Canaan Palestine supports Palestinian farmers by selling organic, fair-trade olive oil and other products, while also promoting Palestinian agricultural traditions.
Instagram
@turathna_palestinian_heritage
Turathna Palestinian Heritage is dedicated to preserving and sharing Palestinian culture and heritage through traditional clothing, embroidery, and folklore.
Instagram
@palestinianculture
An account that celebrates Palestinian culture, heritage, and history through images and videos that reflect traditions, landscapes, and crafts.
Instagram
@palestiniancrafts
Promotes handmade Palestinian crafts and products, including ceramics, olive wood, and embroidery, supporting artisans in Palestine.
Instagram
@elmorocco_designs
Focused on Palestinian and Middle Eastern jewelry and accessories, promoting traditional designs and Palestinian culture through handmade items.
Instagram
@kufiya.org
The official account of Kufiya.org, which promotes and sells the iconic Palestinian scarf made in the last remaining kufiya factory in Palestine.
Instagram
@reenadance
Reena is a professional Palestinian folkloric dancer and choreographer who shares traditional dance performances and highlights Palestinian heritage through movement.
Instagram
DONATE
Palestine Children’s Relief Fund
We envision a world where all children in the Middle East have access to quality medical care, humanitarian aid, and specialized surgical procedures.
Medical Aid For Palestinians
Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) works for the health and dignity of Palestinians living under occupation and as refugees.
We provide immediate medical aid to those in great need, while also developing local capacity and skills to ensure the long-term development of the Palestinian healthcare system.
World Food Programme
We bring life-saving relief in emergencies and use food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impacts of climate change.
SUPPORT
Darzah (Palestine, U.S.)
An ethical fashion brand creating hand-embroidered shoes and accessories. Products are crafted by Palestinian women in the West Bank. Website: darzah.org
Anat International (Palestine, U.S.)
Sells traditional Palestinian crafts, including hand-painted ceramics, olive wood products, and embroidered items, all made by Palestinian artisans. Website: anatinternational.com
Taybeh Brewing Company (Palestine)
Palestine’s first and most famous microbrewery, based in the West Bank. They also produce wine and olive oil. Website: taybehbeer.com
Hantourism (Palestine)
A tourism company based in Palestine offering cultural and responsible tours around the region, emphasizing local experiences and interactions with Palestinian communities. Website: hantour.ps
Bethlehem Fair Trade Artisans (Palestine)
A non-profit that supports Palestinian artisans by selling fair-trade crafts such as ceramics, olive wood carvings, and textiles, made in the West Bank. Website: bethlehem-artisans.com
Canaan Palestine (Palestine)
Produces and exports organic, fair-trade Palestinian olive oil and other agricultural products like za’atar and maftoul. They work directly with small farmers in the West Bank. Website: canaanpalestine.com
Kufiya.org (Palestine)
A producer of the iconic Palestinian kufiya (scarf), made in the last remaining kufiya factory in the West Bank. They aim to preserve this cultural heritage while supporting local workers. Website: kufiya.org
Holy Land Handicraft Cooperative Society (Palestine)
A cooperative that supports Palestinian artisans in the Bethlehem area by exporting traditional handcrafts, such as olive wood carvings and mother-of-pearl jewelry. Website: holyland-handicraft.org
Nabulsi Soap (Palestine)
Nablus-based producers of traditional olive oil soap, an ancient craft in Palestine. These products are handmade using traditional methods. Website: nabulsi.com
Sunbula (Palestine)
A non-profit fair-trade organization that supports Palestinian artisans and cooperatives through the promotion and sale of traditional crafts. Website: sunbula.org
Zaytoun (UK)
A UK-based social enterprise that imports and sells fair trade products from Palestinian farmers, including olive oil, dates, and couscous. They work directly with Palestinian cooperatives. Website: zaytoun.org
Hadeel (UK)
Based in Edinburgh, Hadeel sells fair-trade Palestinian crafts, including ceramics, olive wood products, and textiles. They support marginalized artisans from the West Bank, Gaza, and Palestinian refugees. Website: hadeel.org
Palestinian Threads (Germany)
An online store selling Palestinian cultural items, especially traditional embroidered clothing and accessories, supporting Palestinian artisans. Website: palestinian-threads.com
Palestina Solidarität (Germany/Switzerland)
A fair-trade organization that imports olive oil, dates, and other agricultural products from Palestine, with a focus on supporting Palestinian farmers. They operate in Germany and Switzerland. Website: palästina-solidarität.de
ACTIVISTS
Mohammed El-Kurd
Mohammed El-Kurd is a prominent Palestinian activist and writer from the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of Jerusalem. He gained global attention for his advocacy against the forced displacement of Palestinian families in East Jerusalem. His activism on Twitter and Instagram highlights human rights violations and the struggles faced by Palestinians under Israeli occupation.
Instagram/Twitter/X: @m7mdkurd
Muna El-Kurd
Muna El-Kurd, the twin sister of Mohammed El-Kurd, is also a vocal social media activist. She uses her platform to document and speak out against the displacement of Palestinians in Sheikh Jarrah. Along with her brother, she has become a leading voice in amplifying the Palestinian struggle globally.
Instagram/Twitter/X: @muna.kurd15
Ahed Tamimi
Ahed Tamimi is a well-known Palestinian activist from the village of Nabi Salih. She gained international attention as a teenager after being arrested for confronting Israeli soldiers, and she has since become a symbol of resistance against the occupation. Tamimi uses her social media to share updates about the situation in Palestine and call for justice.
Instagram: @ahedtamimi13
Lina Abu Akleh
Lina Abu Akleh is a Palestinian social media activist and the niece of the late journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed by Israeli forces while reporting. Lina uses her platforms to seek justice for her aunt’s death and to raise awareness about Palestinian issues, focusing on journalism, human rights, and the occupation.
Twitter/X: @LinaAbuAkleh
Mariam Barghouti
Mariam Barghouti is a Palestinian-American journalist and writer who uses social media to provide real-time updates and nuanced analysis of the situation in Palestine. She frequently reports on the occupation and broader Middle Eastern issues, offering insight into the lived experiences of Palestinians.
Twitter/X:
Do you have more resources? Please share in the comments below.
Author: Sheyla
Sheyla has been a professional dancer since 2006. She focuses on Egyptian traditional dances and music, doing research and teaching lectures and workshops on these subjects. Last year, she went to Egypt to film the Funoon Shaabeya documentary about traditional artists. For the last 10 years, she has organized the international dance conference Al Raqs - a five-day virtual event featuring firsthand experiences from top speakers in Raqs Sharqi & MENAHT culture and dances.