Since October 2023, we have witnessed a genocide live-streamed around the world.
Internationally, Israel has been condemned of mass starvation, and the targeted bombing of Palestinian hospitals, schools, and homes. Over 70,000 Palestinians have been martyred by the state of Israel, and many more lie trapped beneath the rubble. The world has watched in horror at the blatant disregard for human life in Gaza. The masses have been going through a great awakening.
Globally we have seen millions take to the streets calling for liberation for the Palestinian people. In the Bay Area, we have seen students build encampments to protest universities' ties with Zionism. We have seen port workers refuse to load weapon shipments heading to the Zionist entity. And campaigns like Mask off Maersk and the Oakland People's Arms Embargo have played a role in activating the masses across the globe to end the genocide.
People from around the Bay Area and around the world now see clearly what is transpiring in Palestine: this is imperialism, ethnic cleansing, and settler-colonialism in action.
Art as Resistance
An important lesson from this moment—and from every liberation struggle in history—is that cultural resistance is intrinsic to the struggle for liberation itself.
Culture is not separate from politics. It is where politics lives and breathes. Culture shapes how we see the world, what we believe is possible, and who we believe deserves dignity. For too long, the dominant culture has dehumanized Palestinians, erased their history, and justified their oppression.
Culture also plays a role in reinforcing important ideals and lessons in the struggle: in Palestinian folklore, there are countless poems around the importance of steadfastness, of sacrifice, and of return.
As artists, we have a responsibility to challenge narratives that dehumanize Palestinians and that challenge their legitimacy to resist occupation and imperialism. As artists, we have an obligation to create space for truth, to amplify voices that have been silenced, and to make art that refuses complicity.
We, the undersigned artists, stand in firm solidarity with those resisting occupation and fighting for their right to self-determination. We are united in our support for Palestinian liberation: from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.
Caroline Chung (Citizens Jazz) and Mike Walti (Wyldwood Studios) are the executive producers of this compilation. This project was born from an unwavering commitment to stand with the people of Palestine in their struggle against imperialism, ethnic cleansing, and settler colonialism.
We have a responsibility as artists to shift consciousness and build the movement for liberation.
Sign the Statement →All proceeds from the compilation release will be directed towards organizations supporting Palestinians. All donations are tax deductible.
