Mohawk and South Asian Women Launch Urgent Fundraiser for Gaza

URGENT UPDATE: A powerful coalition of Mohawk and South Asian women in Brantford, Ontario, has just launched a critical fundraising auction to support the people of Gaza, as humanitarian conditions worsen in the region. The auction kicked off on October 20, 2023, and will run throughout the weekend, featuring unique items such as Indigenous crafts, paintings, and beauty products.

Aicha Smith-Belghaba, a Mohawk chef and entrepreneur, is at the forefront of this initiative. As she navigates personal grief with her grandmother entering palliative care, Smith-Belghaba emphasizes the urgent need for solidarity with those suffering in Gaza. “Too many can’t hold funerals, can’t bury loved ones in peace,” she stated in a recent interview. Her remarks underscore the stark realities faced by many in Gaza, where the ability to mourn loved ones is often denied.

Smith-Belghaba partnered with Natasha Kurd, the lead organizer of Brantford4Palestine, to ensure all proceeds from the auction will benefit organizations providing aid to displaced families in Gaza, including The Sameer Project and the Palestine Red Crescent Society. “I wish we’d met sooner. This is simply the moment my capacity, our relationships, and the need [in Gaza] lined up,” she expressed.

Despite a ceasefire deal reached earlier this month between Israel and Hamas, reports indicate that very little aid is actually reaching Gaza. “Even with a ceasefire, people still need food, clean water, safe shelter, medical care, and protection,” Smith-Belghaba added, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The auction features new items each day, culminating in final bids on October 23, 2023. Smith-Belghaba hopes this fundraiser will not only provide much-needed support but also amplify Palestinian voices: “I feel like a lot of people just don’t know what’s going on or don’t understand it.”

Kurd shares a deep connection to this cause, citing her own background and the similarities between Indigenous struggles in Canada and those faced by Palestinians. “Solidarity isn’t charity; it’s responsibility,” she stated, calling for a collective effort to raise awareness and foster community connections.

As the auction continues, it represents a crucial moment for action and advocacy. Both organizers are determined to make a significant impact, urging the community to participate and support the cause. They encourage everyone to share the auction details widely to raise awareness about the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

This initiative comes at a pivotal time as winter approaches, and the need for urgent humanitarian access grows. Smith-Belghaba and Kurd invite everyone to join their efforts in providing aid and support to those in desperate need.

Stay tuned for further updates on the auction and how you can contribute to this vital cause.