Combatting Anti-Palestinian Racism in Canada
Anti-Palestinian racism is a form of systemic discrimination that denies Palestinian identity, silences our voices, and marginalizes those who speak out for Palestinian rights. It appears in classrooms, media, workplaces, and public institutions – often through erasure, censorship, or double standards.
The full definition can be found below:
Anti-Palestinian racism is a form of anti-Arab racism that silences, excludes, erases, stereotypes, defames or dehumanizes Palestinians or their narratives. Anti-Palestinian racism takes various forms including: denying the Nakba and justifying violence against Palestinians; failing to acknowledge Palestinians as an Indigenous people with a collective identity, belonging and rights in relation to occupied and historic Palestine; erasing the human rights and equal dignity and worth of Palestinians; excluding or pressuring others to exclude Palestinian perspectives, Palestinians and their allies; defaming Palestinians and their allies with slander such as being inherently antisemitic, a terrorist threat/sympathizer or opposed to democratic values. (ACLA, https://www.canarablaw.org/our-work)
At the Palestinian Canadian Congress (PCC), we are committed to challenging this racism and defending the rights, dignity, and representation of Palestinian Canadians and their allies. This is not only a Palestinian issue; it’s a Canadian issue of equity, justice, and inclusion.
Why It Matters - and to Whom
For Children & Students:
Palestinian students and perspectives are too often excluded or penalized in academic settings. We help schools build classrooms where Palestinian perspectives are included and respected.”.
For Parents: Families deserve to know their children can speak their truth and express their identity without fear. We advocate for safer schools, stronger policies, and cultural inclusion.
For Educators:
Many teachers want to bring Palestine into the classroom but lack the tools or confidence to do so safely. We provide resources, training, and guidance to help educators include Palestinian perspectives accurately and respectfully, while meeting equity and inclusion standards.
For Donors:
Your support helps us provide legal support, build awareness, and expand community education. Together, we can push back against erasure and build long-term change.
For Policymakers:
We work to ensure Anti-Palestinian racism is recognized and addressed at every level — from schools to legislatures. Silence and inaction are no longer acceptable.
What We’re Doing
- Education & Awareness Campaigns
Workshops, training and resources for schools, institutions, and the public. - Community Support & Advocacy
Defending individuals facing censorship, discrimination, or targeted harassment. - Policy Engagement
Collaborating with human rights and equity organizations to demand accountability and structural change.