‘Isang Bagsak’ sparks action, advocacy

‘Isang Bagsak’ sparks action, advocacy

Members of Filipinos United for Palestine and Streetsville-Mississauga for Palestine delivered signed petitions to Minister Rechie Valdez’ consitutuency office on March 15, 2024, a few days before the NDP Opposition Motion was debated in Parliament.

Filipinos Unite in Solidarity for Palestine:

March 10, 2024

By Leny Rose Simbre

TORONTO–In response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine, Filipinos and Filipino-led organizations in Toronto came together for “Isang Bagsak: A gathering for Filipinos united for Palestine,” a rallying cry for unity and action in support of the Palestinian people. The hybrid event brought more than 70 people in person and virtually across Canada and the US, in the afternoon of  March 10, 2024, serving as a platform for solidarity, education, and collective organizing.

The urgency of the situation in Palestine cannot be overstated. With reports of starvation, besieged hospitals, and the looming threat of a ground invasion in Rafah, the plight of over two million Palestinians trapped in the Gaza Strip demands immediate attention and action. Against this backdrop, Filipinos in Canada are rallying to halt Canada’s complicity in what they describe as the genocide of the Palestinian people.

“In Tagalog, “isang bagsak” translates to “one down.” This phrase embodies our collective and interconnected well-being: if one person falls, we all fall. If one rises, we all rise,” organizers stated, emphasizing the shared struggle and solidarity between the Filipino and Palestinian communities. The event’s agenda encompassed an educational discussion to explore the interconnected struggles between Palestine and the Filipino community. Participants delved into the shared experiences of oppression and resistance, seeking ways for collective organizing and mobilization with Palestinian speakers from the Palestinian Youth Movement and Labour for Palestine.

Central to these discussions were three key demands:

Justine Abigail Yu, editor and founder of “Living Hyphen” was part of a viral video version of the open letter addressed to Minister Rechie Valdez, calling her to vote in favour of the NDP Opposition Motion on Palestine.

1. Impose an arms embargo on Israel now: Participants advocated for the cessation of arms sales to Israel, condemning the use of Canadian weaponry in perpetrating violence against Palestinians.

2. Restore funding to UNWRA: Emphasis was placed on reinstating financial support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNWRA) for Palestine Refugees to address the humanitarian crisis facing Palestinian refugees.

3. Demand Israel to lift the siege on Gaza: Attendees called for an end to the blockade on Gaza, which has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis and restricted essential goods and services to its inhabitants.

Anakbayan Canada and Anakbayan Toronto led an educational discussion, shedding light on the historical and political context of the Palestinian struggle. Attendees also participated in focus group discussions on how the Filipino community can partake in or contribute to direct action or rallies, community education, and political pressure on political leaders.

Other Filipino-led organizations co-hosted and endorsed “Isang Bagsak,” including Kwentong Bayan, Makulay atbp., Pinay Collection, Living Hyphen, Cambio & Co., Malaya Canada, Bayan Canada, Anakbayan Canada, and Migrante Ontario. Their support underscores the broad-based solidarity within the Filipino community for the cause of Palestinian liberation.

Catherine Hernandez, author of the bestseller novel “Scarborough,” was also part of a viral video version of the open letter addressed to Minister Rechie Valdez, calling her to vote in favour of the NDP Motion on Palestine.

As part of their advocacy efforts, the political pressure subgroup drafted an open letter to MP Rechie Valdez, urging for an arms embargo on Israel. The letter is open for signatures, with options for public or private endorsements.

In a message of gratitude and solidarity, organizers expressed their commitment to continuing the fight for collective freedom. They welcomed feedback and encouraged individuals to stay engaged through sign-up forms and ongoing initiatives. They also stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people, amplifying their voices and advocating for justice on the international stage.

“As we continue to learn, reflect, and act in solidarity with our Palestinian kin, let us continue to be rooted in the notion that our collective action must address our collective struggles to strive towards our collective freedom,” organizers concluded.

For further information and inquiries, individuals are encouraged to reach out to the organizers via email at filipinosunited4palestine@gmail.com or through Instagram: @filipinosunited4palestine.