Press Releases

Coordination Council for Palestine Hosts Inaugural Conference in Montreal

Event Unites Diverse Voices in Support of Palestinian Rights and Liberation

Montreal, November 3, 2024 — On November 1 and 2, 2024, the Coordination Council for Palestine (CC4P) held its inaugural conference, uniting representatives from a wide range of organizations committed to justice, freedom, and solidarity with Palestine. Over two days, rich discussions unfolded on critical themes that lie at the heart of the Palestinian struggle, reflecting the global resonance of these issues and underscoring the interconnectedness of struggles for justice worldwide.

The conference opened with a powerful welcome session led by Katsi’tsakwas Ellen Gabriel, setting a reflective and collaborative tone for the event. Gabriel’s presence emphasized the importance of solidarity between Indigenous peoples and Palestinians, both of whom continue to resist the ongoing impacts of settler colonialism. The first day featured sessions on the academic situation in Gaza, contributions to emergency educational plans, and the representation of Palestine and Palestinians in Canadian media. Discussions also tackled the criminalization of dissent and explored the influential role of the Palestinian diaspora, alongside conversations on youth-led movements and student activism.

Keynote addresses provided profound insights into global resistance, highlighting the intersections of colonial legacies and contemporary struggles. Speakers drew connections between the Palestinian struggle and other movements for liberation, including Black Lives Matter, and emphasized the need for intersectional solidarity in the fight against all forms of oppression. The second day commenced with sessions on Healthcare as Resistance, examining the effects of the blockade, emergency responses, and the roles of health workers in advocating for improved care and solidarity. Subsequent discussions addressed strategies for political participation in Canada, poetry and literature as tools of resistance, and the challenges faced by the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

In the afternoon, sessions focused on lessons from past anti-systemic struggles, analyzing solidarity movements related to Palestine. The day concluded with an exploration of international law, featuring discussions on the relationship between U.S. imperialism and international legal systems, the implications of the International Criminal Court, and legal perspectives on the situation in Gaza.

The CC4P conference served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinians and the urgent need for solidarity and action. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, the event fostered critical dialogue and inspired attendees to work towards a more just future for Palestine and the world.

CC4P extends its gratitude to all participants and speakers who contributed to these vital conversations. The conference was an essential platform for exchanging ideas and reinforcing the commitment to advocacy and justice for Palestine.

About the Coordination Council for Palestine (CC4P):

The CC4P is a collective dedicated to defending and supporting the rights of the Palestinian people. Founded on principles of justice, equality, and human dignity for all, the council coordinates efforts across Canada to advocate for policies and actions that promote Palestinian liberation.

For more information, please visit https://cc4p.ca/.