Surrey, BC — Several hundred people gathered on August 16, at Holland Park before marching to MP Randeep Sarai’s
office, calling on Canada to end its complicity in the genocide in Gaza. The event was a collaboration between SurDelRock4Palestine, Cloverdale-Langley For Palestine, Al-Awda Vancouver, and FreePalestineBC, all of which are grassroots collectives that have been organizing actions across the Lower Mainland for Palestine. They were joined by representatives of
allied organizations including peace- focused groups like the Global Peace Alliance and Global PeaceSociety, who supported mobilization through community outreach and stood in solidarity with the rally. Together, these groups amplified the urgent call for justice while ensuring broad participation from the Lower Mainland community.
The diverse coalition highlighted solidarity across faiths, generations, and nationalities, united in calling for justice in Palestine.
Speakers included anti-colonial organizers, faith leader, and representatives of allied groups: Anna, an organizer with
SurdelRock4Palestine, emphasized the links between Palestinian and Indigenous struggles in Canada:
“Displacement, strength, and resistance connect both struggles. Let us dismantle occupation here and in Palestine.”
Anas Al-Sharif, a journalist for Al Jazeera who was tragically killed in Gaza last week, had left a final statement read aloud by a
Palestinian comrade in English. In it, he entrusted the care of his family, including his children, to the community and urged listeners to carry forward the struggle for justice in Gaza.
Ghazal, a 12-year-old from Gaza, shared her personal story of growing up in Gaza before relocating to Canada. She described her family’s suffering, including the loss of her uncle: “I speak for my uncle and for the life he lost. I speak for my cousins who still smile even when their stomachs are empty.
I speak for my grandparents who are old and tired and deserve a home again. I speak because silence helps no one. I carry Gaza in my heart… Free Palestine. Long live Gaza.”
Nariman, a mother from Gaza, shared her perspective as a Palestinian-Canadian and the ongoing struggle of her family in Gaza. She also encouraged continued participation at the Wednesday weekly sit-in at the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada office in Downtown Vancouver for Gazan family reunification:
“Our families are still waiting to be reunited here in Canada. Every voice counts, every action matters. We carry Gaza in our hearts… Free Palestine. Long live Gaza.”
Imam Mazhar, a Palestinian-Canadian faith leader, stressed moral responsibility: “Watching children starve while our
government does nothing is a moral failure.
We must hold them accountable.”
Anna Lermer of Independent Jewish Voices addressed Canada’s role in arming Israel and suppressing Palestinian voices:
“Canada continues to arm Israel despite international law. Safety for all comes through justice — solidarity is not optional.”
Larry, an organizer with SurDelRock4Palestine, emphasized the urgency of political action: “It’s thanks to us that the government is even saying the right words, but words are not enough anymore. Too many people are dying, too many are starving — it’s time for action. I’m going to deliver this letter to MP Sarai’s office. If anyone wants to join me, come along. Free, free Palestine!”
March to Action
After the speeches, participants marched from Holland Park to MP Sarai’s office, chanting: “Free, free Palestine!” and “Stop the killing, stop the slaughter — Palestinians must have food and water!”
Organizers attempted to deliver a letter demanding action from Canada’s Liberal government, highlighting ongoing military support for Israel. The rally was part of ongoing weekly mobilizations at Holland Park and nationwide sit-ins at IRCC, calling for the evacuation and reunification of Palestinian families in Canada.
“Every voice counts. Every action matters. Together, we demand justice and ensure families are brought to safety,” said a youth organizer.
Media Contact:
Mahwish Y.
Representative of Global Peace Society and SurDelRock4Palestine
Email: enablepeace@gmail.com
