07/03/2026
We want to extend our deepest gratitude everyone for making the June 29th dinner (Food, Love, and Resistance) with Palestinian chef Izzeldin Bukhari Izzeldin Bukhari such a memorable experience. This dinner, centred on experiencing Palestinian culture through food that was grounded in resistance to the illegal occupation of Palestine and struggle for a Free Palestine, was truly invaluable.
Chef Izzeldin was deeply moved by the positive energy, capacity, leadership, passion, organization, genuine concern, and warmth of the people that he met.
A huge shout out/thank you to the Izzeldin Bukhari team for organizing this tour; to the planning team with reps from N4P and UCPIP; to the Nelson Star and folks who created and then put out info/posters/announcements throughout a 100 mile radius; to Notably for managing our paper ticket sales; to Chris and everyone at KTK MASALA SHOP for your superb customer service and generosity; to Taylor & Mae Eco Collective who generously offered a door prize; to all of the shops that hung our event posters; to the community that brought bowls, teapots, bread baskets, and spoons when we called out including those at the Nelson United Church, Nelson Community Food Centre, Lutheran Church and First Baptist Church.
To all of the volunteers, thank you. Our gathering was beautiful and a huge undertaking. Thank you also to the musicians Ryann and TENISE MARIE and Louis Bockner for capturing the spirit of the night so beautifully.
Funds raised will alleviate some suffering that continues in Gaza and throughout Palestine. However, it is critical that we also pressure every level of our government to STOP support (economic, military, political, etc) for the state of Israel in its genocidal efforts to erase the Palestinian people.
We must sustain our commitment to work for a Free and Just Palestine. Dr. Diedre Nunan, a Canadian orthopedic surgeon who has done a number of missions in Gaza over the last three years has concluded many of her talks with the idea that we need to keep hope alive - Palestinians are the only ones who have the right to give up hope, and the rest of us must uphold the faith they hold so strongly.
