We are a community of Palestinian families and allies on a mission to ensure the physical, psychological and emotional safety of our children in TDSB schools including the right to express their Palestinian identity and lived experiences.
Basis of Unity and Values
1
We are a grassroots group led by Palestinian families advocating for safe and inclusive spaces free from anti-Palestinian racism and other forms of inequity
2
We take a secular, intersectional, and anti-oppressive lens inclusive of all expressions of faith, gender identity, sexual identity, age, and ability
3
We collaborate with groups and individuals who share our values of anti-oppression, anti-racism, and equity, and who stand in solidarity with Palestinians
4
We stand in solidarity with the Indigenous peoples of the world and in particular on Turtle Island where we exist both as colonized people and privileged settlers. Our responsibility towards this land and its Indigenous peoples is not diminished because we are ourselves colonized, rather it reinforces our obligation to amplify Indigenous voices and work towards decolonization together
How we work
Core Organizers
A core group of organisers define key strategies, priorities and actions that we take to further our mission. A majority vote among organizers is needed to endorse decisions.
Use of the Toronto Palestinian Families (TPF) name
The use of the Toronto Palestinian Families name requires the endorsement of the core organizers.
Empowering, bottom-up organization
Our power is in enabling members and allies to initiate many independent actions. TPF members are encouraged to initiate actions that advance our priorities and adhere to our Basis of Unity and Values.
Partnerships, Allies and Volunteers
Individuals and organizations who want to collaborate, volunteer and/or partner with us are welcome to in accordance with our Basis of Unity and Values.
Our Demands from the TDSB
The following 6 demands are made jointly with Toronto Jewish Families
1
Include anti-Palestinian racism in the TDSB’s Equity Policy.
2
Publicly affirm that TDSB students and staff will not be punished for supporting Palestinian human rights and/or criticizing the state of Israel.
3
Develop and offer educational resources and training at all levels of the TDSB related to Palestinian human rights and anti-Palestinian racism.
4
End collaborations with groups that perpetrate anti-Palestinian racism, harass students and staff, target progressive Jewish voices, or push for curbs on civil liberties. Collaborations include, but are not limited to: creating and conducting workshops for students or staff, leading PD for staff, assisting with policy directives, and offering field trips for students.
5
Build collaborations with organizations that teach Jewish identity that is not inherently linked to Israel, and recognize diversity within Jewish populations.
6
Acknowledge harm done to Palestinian families by the TDSB’s erasure of Palestinian suffering in communications to all TDSB parents and caregivers, and the continued silence of the TDSB during what the United Nations has called “unparalleled and unprecedented” killing of civilians that is leading Gaza to become “a graveyard for children”.
Get Involved
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Toronto Palestinian Families 