As protests for a ceasefire in Gaza mount at universities across the U.S., both pro-Israel and pro-Palestine groups have rallied supporters here in Boise. The City Cast Boise podcast recently covered some new billboards from the Idaho Israel Alliance, and we’ll have a “3 Questions” with that organization next week. Here’s what the folks at Boise to Palestine are focused on.
This interview was edited for length.
What message do you have for Boise leaders who have condemned the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7 but remained silent during the last six months of attacks on Palestinians?
“We see your racism, double-standards and dehumanization of Palestinians and Arabs. This silence is exactly what … has caused for people in our community to be doxxed, threatened, assaulted, lose their jobs, killed for seeming like they are Arab. We ask our leaders to be leaders in this community and to stand up for humanity and speak up against a genocide … Listen to the Palestinians and humans in your community and uplift them.”
More Boiseans (and Americans generally) have voiced support of Palestine during recent months than previous conflicts. What’s different this time?
“The tides are changing. There’s been a paradigm shift around Palestine because we have more access to information today thanks to social media … People are finally listening to Palestinian voices and opening their minds.
“In Boise we see the ripple effect of our actions through the protests and demonstrations, advocacy, awareness, education, and planting seeds at Treefort Music Festival where artists showed solidarity for Palestine and we had a booth where we had pins, kuffieyehs, and other Palestine goodies … Palestine is a conversation opener and it touches the hearts of everyone who knows this genocide is happening and is a stain on humanity.”
Boise to Palestine has focused in part on fundraising for A'la Alwadiya, a Palestinian artist attempting to evacuate Gaza. Why has helping A’la been a focus here in Boise?
“We connected with Ala because she is friends with some locals here in Boise. Her artwork is gorgeous and she has such a strong determination to pursue her future, even in the midst of a genocide … What happened to her could have happened to any of us if we were born in Gaza. By helping her, we are trying to do our small part to change someone’s life. She is such a sweet, talented person, and has become a friend to everyone who's involved with Boise to Palestine.”
