October is American Archives Month, and the library where I work is hosting an upcoming Open House event at the Archives Building. Later this week, I will be on campus finishing a display to highlight this theme and the upcoming event. And of course, whenever I am at work inside the library building, or whenever I am working on promotions for these programs and events, I can't help but think of Gaza and Palestine, and the relentless Israeli attacks on Palestinian libraries, schools, universities, archives, museums, and cultural heritage sites.
To quote the Society for American Archivists:
"American Archives Month is a time to focus on the importance of records of enduring value and to enhance public recognition for the people and programs that are responsible for maintaining our communities’ vital historical records."
This incongruity and disconnect pains me, as does everything about this genocide, especially tonight on the eve of the two-year anniversary of when its acceleration began. I continue to carry Gaza and Palestine in my heart and mind no matter what I am doing.
In honor of Palestine, of survival, of 'Archives Month,' of cultural heritage, of everything every Palestinian person is doing to keep going and try to survive as we collectively keep trying to end the genocide and also the violent and illegal siege and occupation, I have shared a slideshow video I created for the recent Bookshare Giveaway fundraising event, which features some of the words and images from educators, writers, and book-rescuers in Gaza, as well as information about the libraries, universities, and cultural heritage sites that have come under attack as part of this scholasticide.
Two of the featured contributors are dear friends and also the primary points of contact for two of the 'eight families.' The other two featured contributors are also very dear and important to me, and it was really through my connections to them and because of all that they generously shared that I developed the relationships I now have with the families to whom I am closest. And my heart will be forever grateful to them, for this, and for so much more. I hope you will take a look at these slides and that they will help you understand how we are connected to Gaza, and how we must do everything we can to support those who are trying to survive.
In closing, for those of you who are in Bellingham, I hope to see you at the 'Rise up for Gaza' rally and march at 5pm tomorrow, October 7, beginning at the Farmers Market and ending at the Maritime Heritage Park.
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