On October 7, 2023, Al Aqsa Flood marked a historic stride for all Palestinians in the struggle to end, once and for all, Zionist colonialism and occupation. People from all over the world took to the streets to express solidarity with Palestinians in their pursuit of Liberation. Following the global tide denouncing Zionism, here in the Michiana area, there hadn’t been an organized group working around Palestine since Palestine Solidarity Network in the 80’s. What this meant for a group of local comrades, was that it was time to organize the next chapter of solidarity with Palestine in the Michiana area, and thus Michiana Friends of Palestine was born.
Within the following four days after Al Aqsa Flood, a Christian, a Jew, and two Muslims living in the Michiana area, converged their experiences and ideas to organize a public demonstration, “All Eyes on Palestine,” MFoP’s first protest. With over 200 attendees, the local South Bend community united to condemn decades of occupation and to support the Palestinian people in their struggle. As communities joined in support of Palestine, what started off as four comrades grew into a larger group. Students, workers, community organizers, artists, and educators all mobilized to join, build, and form Michiana Friends of Palestine.
From public demonstrations, to intimate reading circles, to letter-writing campaigns, Michiana Friends of Palestine has been committed to organizing and educating the Michiana region around the histories of Palestine, the West Asian region, anti-imperialism, and the roles and responsibilities we have living in the US empire. With time and intention, MFoP has built coalitions with Michiana’s faith-based communities, labor unions, student organizers, mutual aid groups, social justice advocates, artists, educators, and writers.