Artists, cyclists, and community leaders unite: the Southside’s ongoing actions for Palestine"
Communities worldwide have shown solidarity for the Palestinian people, and Govanhill is no different. Through music, art, food, and talks, people continue to raise awareness and funds for Palestine. This article brings you news of the latest events taking place in our neighbourhood.
Words by Samar Jamal | Photos by Maz and The Phantasms and Art Workers in Solidarity with Palestine
Over 100 days have passed since Israel began its siege on Gaza. The death toll has risen to over 24,000, and the assault has trapped more than 2.3 million innocent people in Gaza with no access to necessities, including food, water, medical aid, electricity, or fuel.
The besiege of Palestinians has grabbed the attention of residents, and people have taken it upon themselves to show solidarity and call for a ceasefire. Save the Children charity reports that the number of children killed in the Gaza Strip by Israeli bombardment has exceeded the annual number of children killed in global conflicts since 2019.
Next week, Rum Shack will host the electrifying psych punk collective, Maz and the Phantasms. The Southside-based band has organized a tropical-themed gig and fundraiser for MAP with local and international acts.
The gig is supported by Artists Against Apartheid, an international movement created to unite artists in contributing to a call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and a platform for Palestinian voices.
Speaking about the gig, Maz – one of the band members, said: "We want to make our events not only about enjoying live music and dance but also a space for connection and expression. As artists, we cannot ignore the current catastrophe that is happening in Gaza and how inhumanly our governments are acting. We want to build a community around our music that cares about helping one another. That is why we choose to be vocal and take a stance against it, starting by putting on an event in our local venue for all our neighbours."
Maz and the Phantasms
“It is shocking to see the way that governments, institutions, and major corporations are censoring and depreciating Palestinian voices and lives (Facebook won’t even let us advertise this gig!). It is only we, the citizens, who can make a difference, unite in solidarity with the victims of this catastrophe and raise awareness to inspire a change in our politicians. Everyone can be an activist; everyone can start something.”
Tickets for the event can be bought here; however, no one will be turned away for lack of funds. To find out more about Maz and The Phantasm’s latest gigs and music, you can follow them on social media.
Just up the road from the Caribbean-themed bar, The Big Ride for Palestine is happening at Queen’s Park this Saturday. The inclusive event, organized by The Big Ride, first started in 2015 when a couple of cyclists decided to combine their passion for cycling with support for the Palestinian people.
For the past four weeks, they have been holding weekly rides at Queen’s Park. Karim, one of the organisers said this is to: “Draw attention to the ongoing human rights abuses, war crimes, and genocide inflicted on the people of Palestine.”. The cycling route goes through the park and then towards the demonstration organized by the Gaza Genocide Emergency Committee in the city. This week's demonstration will take place at the BBC Pacific Quay.
“We also invite people to join us for our main Big Ride fundraiser this summer: one day rides that will take place across major cities in Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and England. Keep an eye on our website for more info,” Karim explained.
Ellen Logan the co-director and organiser added: “We hope to raise awareness about the situation and to show physical solidarity with the Palestinian people by bike. Cycling represents freedom and we use cycling to signify our belief in freedom, justice and equality for all.”
For information on taking part in this weekend's ride, follow The Big Ride for Palestine on social media and check out their website for more details for future events.
There are other ways in which activists are trying to raise awareness too. Stop the War is hosting an event tonight, entitled ‘Why Palestine is a Trade Union Issue: Building Solidarity With Gaza’. The online event will bring together representatives from across the UK to discuss how trade unionists can continue to deliver effective solidarity to the Palestinian people. The event will be attended by union representatives from across the UK, and there will be a discussion on how each union can organize to support Palestine.
Posters from Art Workers in Solidarity with Palestine across Glasgow
On Sunday, from 11 am to 1 pm, you can join Artworkers for Palestine Scotland at Red Sunday School, at Kinning Park Complex, for a morning of creativity, solidarity, and community as they come together to make banners and art in support of Palestine. They will be making a collective parachute banner that will amplify our messages of solidarity and love from kids & families in Glasgow to Gaza.
Art Workers in Solidarity with Palestine (AWSP) have various resources that allow people to take action and show solidarity, in spaces outside their events. The collective urgently calls on “arts and cultural spaces and organizations across Scotland to break their silence”. Their online folder, part of the Palestine Poets project, includes billboard posters featuring poets from Palestine.
A representative from AWSP said: “This project brings Palestinian poetry to public spaces in Scotland. It aims to listen to, celebrate and amplify Palestinian voices in Scotland so that we may bear witness to the lives of those who have been ignored by our policymakers.”
Many of the posters have already popped up across Scotland and act as a reminder to passersby of the Palestinian people and the need for readers to take action.
For information on other events taking place in Glasgow, check out our website. If you have any events that you would like to promote, you can send them to us by email at communitynewsroom@greatergovanhill.com.
