Events (Both Upcoming and Past)

UPCOMING EVENTS


Thank you to Mountain Meets Farm for hosting this family-friendly fundraiser for Eight Families in Gaza once again. All ages welcome, and encouraged. Register for pony rides and address provided upon registration, however, you do not have to register to attend! You can also DM Mountain Meets Farm on Instagram, or email me at clarissjanae@gmail.com if you would like to come but don’t plan to register for a pony ride. Lots of other activities, animals and community to meet too, and I will be on hand to talk with anyone who wants to know more about the families in Gaza, what the latest news is, and how your help will support them. 



Amnesty International's Local Group 270 hosts their annual 'Write for Rights' at the Bellingham Central Library Lecture Room on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 from 2:00 - 4:00pm, and they are inviting us to join us in taking action, along with hundreds of thousands worldwide, calling for the release of prisoners of conscience, supporting human rights defenders in need, and seeking justice for human rights abuses. 

There are nine cases from around the world, along with several Urgent Actions, and there will be information about these actions, in addition to a screening of the Fault Lines documentary, The Disappearance of Dr. Abu Safiya, and information about Amnesty International actions and writing in support of his release. They have also kindly invited me to table and host letter-writing on behalf of the families in Gaza whose voices I have been trying to amplify. The event is free and open to the public, and I hope to see you there. 

For information about this event, please email: amnestyinternational270@gmail.com. (This event is not sponsored or endorsed by the Bellingham Public Library.)

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PAST FUNDRAISING, PRESENTATIONS, & ONLINE EVENTS

"Eight Families in Gaza: Amplifying Their Voices" Presentations

In-Person Event(s): A presentation developed in collaboration with eight families in Gaza who are connected to a local community member (Clarissa) who has received permission to share their stories and words. This is an opportunity to learn more about their lives, loves, and challenges as they try to survive the genocide in Gaza, and to find out more about ways you can offer meaningful and direct support to Palestinians in Gaza. 


SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2025 / Bellingham Central Library
THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 2025 / Whatcom Peace & Justice Center
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2025 / Ellisforde Church of the Brethren, Tonasket, WA
SUNDAY, JULY 27, 2025 / Bellingham Central Library
THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025 / Whatcom Peace & Justice Center
SATURDAY, MAY 31, 2025 / Bellingham Central Library
FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2025 / Western Washington University
SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2025 / Make.Shift Art Space
SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2025 / Langley United Methodist Church, Langley, WA
SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2025 / Bellingham Central Library
SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 2025 /Bellingham Central Library
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    Winter Solstice Gathering for 'Eight Families in Gaza,' December 20, 2025


    I am hosting an informal drop-in gathering in the Downstairs Lecture Room at the Bellingham Public Library on Saturday, December 20 between 1pm and 4pm, and I hope you will drop by to say hello and stay for as little or as long as you want. You'll have a chance to leave a message or draw a picture for the families in Gaza on a fabric banner we are making, or brainstorm ideas with me of things we can do in the months ahead to support the families. 

    There will also be a looped slideshow on display where you can see some of the photos and read some words about each of the different families, and I will also bring the latest updates I can share verbally with those who are interested. 

    I'll also bring some of the leftover books and handmade items from previous fundraising events, and a kettle for hot water along with an assortment of teas. If you have funds to donate, we welcome this, but it is not essential. Feel free to bring yourself, your friends, your ideas, your questions, or any supplies for making arts and crafts, and together we can create a space for cultivating connection, creativity, and support.  

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     Eight classes, eight families, every first and third Friday of the month at Flux Yoga in Bellingham, WA for a non-heated, all-levels slow flow class in solidarity with Palestine. 

    We’ll create space for intentional breath, movement, and connection, and we’ll flow to playlists that center Palestinian music and artists. At each class, you’ll be introduced to one family and their story. These classes are “give what you can,” with a sliding scale suggestion of $10-$30. Your donation provides direct aid to Eight Families in Gaza. 


    Read Palestine Week Special Encore Reading Featuring the Writing, Words, Pictures, & Voices of Palestinians in Gaza

Thursday, December 4 at 7pm there will be a special encore reading presentation of the November 29th #ReadPalestineWeek reading. This reading will be held at the Whatcom Peace & Justice Center, who is also hosting and supporting this event. 

Read Palestine Week is an international initiative first established by Publishers for Palestine, a global collective of publishers and others who work in publishing around the world, and who stand for justice, freedom of expression, and the power of the written word. 

This year’s international focus of Read Palestine Week is on raising funds to support Palestinian writers in Gaza. And here locally, anything donated or raised in support of these reading presentations will be sent directly to the writers and families in Gaza of those whose words are featured during the reading, including those who are connected to the families who have become known locally as ‘Eight Families in Gaza.’ 

Named for Read Palestine Week’s theme, “Read, Rise Up, and Resist,” this combined reading and presentation will touch upon themes related to reading, writing, and education as being integral to Palestinian culture, and to the lives of people in Gaza, even in the midst of the ongoing genocide.

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DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE COMMUNITY EVENT / SAT. NOVEMBER 29, 2025 / NOON TO 6PM

A day of community and connection in solidarity with the Palestinian people, and in celebration of the first day of #ReadPalestineWeek, offering opportunities to learn more about the connections between our local community and Palestine, while exploring a variety of creative activities, art, and unique handmade items. Family-friendly, free, and open to all: stop by, wander, and enjoy this comfortable, inviting, restorative environment, an intentional alternative to the many post- & pre-holiday commercial spaces focused on spending & consumption. There will be opportunities to offer donations in exchange for books, crafts, snacks, and hand-made items, with donations going directly to support specific families and organizations in Gaza. There will also be a special program from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. featuring the words of Palestinian writers in Gaza, who are partnering with us for Read Palestine Week to share their poetry, stories, and other writing in support of specific Palestinian writers and ‘Eight Families in Gaza.’
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Text-based graphic: "Pizza for Palestine, a special evening of food, drinks, art, music, community, and mutual aid. Sunday, November 2 4PM to 8PM. Join Whatcom Coaltion for Palestine & Whatcom Families for Justice or a Fundraiser for Eight Families in Gaza. Hosted by Goat Mountain Pizza Company., 215 W. Holly St. Suite 103.100% of proceeds go directly to the Eight Families. Visit our Instagram and Linktree to read their stories and donate to help them survive.”
Looking forward to this special event happening tomorrow, Sunday, November 2, 2025 from 4 to 8 pm at Goat Mountain Pizza Company, and I want to say a special thank you to everyone who is making this event possible. Thanks to the Whatcom Coalition for Palestine, to Whatcom Families for Justice in Palestine, to my friends who are helping organize this event, and to Goat Mountain Pizza for hosting us. And a huge thank you to Tam Tam Pizza for the inspiration and for the previous fundraiser that was so impactful, beautiful, and life-sustaining.

Tomorrow's event will help us raise funds for these eight families in Gaza who are now personally connected to the Bellingham community, as they try to survive the winter and take care of each other. They are in urgent need of warm clothing, blankets, and better shelter, and your support will make a difference. I will be on hand throughout the entire event to answer questions, give updates about the families, and enjoy being in community with everyone. I hope to see you there! (P.S. There will also be both vegan and gluten-free pizza options.)
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Wednesday, October 29, 2025 /  Mountain Meets Farm / 10am to 12pm


"Pizza for Palestine" Benefit for 'Eight Families in Gaza' - Monday, September 22, 2025 from 4 to 8 pm


100 % of the proceeds go to the 'Eight Families in Gaza'

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Tabling for 'Eight Families' with the Whatcom Peace & Justice Center

Sunday, September 21, 2025 at Bellingham VegFest - 10am to 3pm / Barkley Village


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Text-based graphic: "BOOKSHARE & GIVE-AWAY FUNDRAISER for PALESTINE, Saturday, August 2, 2025, 12pm - 3:00 pm, Bellingham Central Library Downstairs Lecture Room, This event is not sponsored by the Bellingham Public Library, & is offered in affiliation with the Whatcom Coalition for Palestine, & the Whatcom Families for Justice in Palestine."

August 2, 2025 12pm - 3pm

Bookshare & Give-Away Fundraiser for Palestine

Stop by and browse an assortment of books and other media donated by local community members and free for the community, in exchange for donations to support Palestinian families in Gaza.

This event is affiliated with the Whatcom Coalition for Palestine, the Whatcom Families for Justice in Palestine, and the "Eight Families in Gaza: Amplifying Their Voices" public presentation and community support effort.

This event is not sponsored by the Bellingham Public Library.

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Fundraiser for 'Eight Families in Gaza / Saturday July 19, 2025 / 10am-4pm / 2402 Old Lakeway Dr.


Community gathering with donated items. People can take what they want and leave donations in the amount of their choosing, with all proceeds going to families in Gaza.

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Disability Justice in Palestine: Online Event: April 15, 2025. 8am to 11:30 am PST.

During the public presentations, "Eight Families in Gaza: Amplifying Their Voices," which I have been giving in my local community these past couple of months, I have begun by talking a little bit about the connection and intersection between Disability Justice and Palestinian Justice. I talk about mutual aid, collective liberation, the framework for disability justice, and how all of this has been part of my connection to Palestine. 

This week, on April 15, 2025 at 8 a.m. PST there is an online event, "Disability Justice in Palestine: Taking Action," organized by The Palestinian Disability Coalition, which includes members from "organizations of persons with disabilities, self-help groups, and activists with disabilities from all parts of Occupied Palestine, and also the Disability Justice for Palestine Collective, which is made up of disabled people, "researchers, human rights activists and advocates from all over the world working together to document the situation of Palestinians with disabilities and the crimes being committed against them, and advocating for justice and accountability." 

You can find out more about this event on the Disability Justice for Palestine Collective website, and register for the Zoom online. 

[Update from April 22, 2025- Here is a link to the event recording]

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April 12, 2025 from   3:00 - 4:00 p.m. - "Eight Families in Gaza: Amplifying Their Voices" Presentation
(Followed by Whatcom Coalition for Palestine from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.)
Venue: In-Person, Bellingham Public Library Lecture Room (Central Branch)

Event Description: A presentation offering an opportunity to learn about eight families in Gaza who are connected to a local community member (Clarissa) who has received permission to share their stories and words. This is an opportunity to learn more about their lives, loves, and challenges, and to find out more about ways you can offer meaningful and direct support to Palestinians in Gaza. (This event is NOT sponsored by the Bellingham Public Library).
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March 22 from 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. 
Venue: In-Person, Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship 
Whatcom Coalition for Palestine Info Table -  I will be at the at the "Skill Up & Connect for Community" event along with some other folks from the Whatcom Coalition for Palestine, on Saturday March 22, 2025. We will have information about upcoming events, craft items for sale to support donations for families in Gaza, and information about ways to get involved. 

Workshops for Gaza - Dates: Ongoing / Venue: Online.
Check full schedule for classes and programs; donations requested for registration; donation suggestion and link in event description.



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Sunday, March 2, 2025 / 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. - Presentation / 2:30 to 3:00 p.m. Q&A
In-Person Event - Presentation with Optional Q & A, "Eight Families in Gaza: Amplifying Their Voices."
Bellingham Public Library Lecture Room (Central Branch)
Event Description: A presentation offering an opportunity to learn about eight families in Gaza who are connected to a local community member (Clarissa) who has received permission to share their stories and words. This is an opportunity to learn more about their lives, loves, and challenges, and to find out more about ways you can offer meaningful and direct support to Palestinians in Gaza. (This event is NOT sponsored by the Bellingham Public Library).
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Sunday, February 23, 2025 / 12:30 p.m.
In-Person Event - Film Screening: From Ground Zero, 
Pickford Film Center in Bellingham
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Friday, February 14, 2025 / 8:00 a.m. (Pacific Time)
Online Event from Institute for Palestine Studies
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