The University of the Philippines Diliman campus has become a refuge for at least seven Palestinian-Filipino families who were able to fly from Gaza to escape the genocide there. To continue showing solidarity with Palestinian refugees here and abroad, various organizations sponsored the “We are Palestine” solidarity night in front of the historic Palma Hall (AS Steps) in UP Diliman on December 7.
The event featured live performances, poetry, and messages by progressive groups and individuals. Among them are: Chickoy Pura, Cabring Cabrera, Lolita Carbon, Bong Ramilo, Paul Putian, Musikang Bayan, Plagpul, and Sinagbayan; Bibeth Orteza, chairperson of the Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP) and former UP Regent; and Resbak, Sikad and CAP.
According to Francezca Kwe, Secretary of the All UP Academic Employees Union (AUPAEU) Diliman Chapter, the event aimed to show the UP community’s support for the refugees temporarily staying in the campus until December 21. “It also aims to highlight the people’s outrage over the genocide being committed by the Israeli government, with the support of the US government, against Palestinians,” she said.
Raymond Palatino, Secretary General of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN), explained that the solidarity night was part of continuing protests of people to call for peace, freedom, and justice in Palestine. “Since October, we have been conducting protests in Metro Manila, in front of the US embassy, the Israeli embassy, and in our own communities to call for humanitarian ceasefire,” he said. Palatino added that Muslim organizations in Mindanao have also been protesting and calling for an end to the Zionist and Israeli colonial occupation of Palestine.
On behalf of the refugees, Annel Abu Tawila of the Philippine-Palestine Solidarity Center thanked the organizers of the solidarity night and all those who were helping the refugees while they are in campus. She also said they left Palestine and arrived here with almost nothing at all.
The solidarity night was made possible by the UP Office of the Student Regent, All UP Academic Employees Union (AUPAEU), and UP Workers’ Alliance (UPWA), in collaboration with: Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN); Philippines-Palestine Friendship Association (PPFA); Sandugo-Movement of Moro and Indigenous Peoples for Self-Determination; International Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self Determination & Liberation (IPMSDL); and the Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP).
The UP Pi Sigma Fraternity, UP Diliman University Student Council, UP Diliman Center for International Studies, UP Diliman Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Community Affairs, Amnesty International Philippines, Save Our Schools, IBON International, and PAN Asia Pacific also co-sponsored the event.
According to Gaza officials, over 17,700 Palestinians have died, almost half of them children, due to massive Israeli military offensives since October this year.
The UP Padayon Public Service Office is coordinating fund raising efforts for the Filipino-Palestinian refugees.
If you would like to donate, please message the UP Padayon FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/UPPublicService for instructions on how to donate.
