Category: Peace

Peace at home, peace in the world.
–Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

Film: The Voice of Hind Rajab, Princess Original Cinema at 7pm Friday 30 January 2026

Dear Waterloo Region friends of Palestine,

WRFP is privileged to share our first film showing of 2026 with partner, Princess Cinema.

A shattering film using only sound and humanity; screened on the 2nd anniversary of the murder of 5 year-old Hind Rajab.

The voice of Hind Rajab is the voice of Gaza itself, a cry for rescue the entire world could hear, yet no one answered.

On January 29, 2024, a five-year-old Palestinian girl named Hind Rajab and six members of her family attempted to obey an evacuation order by Israel’s military before their home in Gaza City was to be bombed. The Israeli military shelled and shot at the fleeing vehicle, killing Hind’s family and trapping the young girl in the wreckage. Hind was able to place a call to the Palestinian Red Crescent begging for help as darkness falls. She waited 3 hours for an ambulance to be granted permission by the Israeli military to come to her only to have it shelled by a tank just as it reached her. The two paramedics were murdered — as was Hind herself.

Instead of directly depicting this horrific action, the director, Ben Hania, centers the drama within the offices of the Palestinian Red Crescent in the West Bank. The film chronicles the efforts of the call centre dispatcher to maintain an open phone line with Hind while negotiating safe passage for the rescue ambulance with Israel’s uncaring military.

In a bold and inspired move, the director utilizes the actual audio of Hind’s phone calls in the film, a choice that refocuses the line between fiction and documentary, yet never feels exploitative. The film was made with the support of Hind’s mother and the real-life dispatchers who tried to coordinate the rescue effort. The Voice of Hind Rajab is heartbreaking but it is also unflinching portrayal of genocidal intent and the dangers of humanitarian aid work in middle of military fire which targets civilians and civil society. The film is a memorial to a young, innocent life extinguished by a brutal genocide.

The film will be introduced with opening remarks by Robert Massoud, founder of Zatoun.

In deference to the film’s subject it will not be followed by the usual conversation / Q&A.

Tunisia, France, USA | Kaouther Ben Hania | 89 minutes | Arabic with English subtitles

Awards and reviews:

The Voice of Hind Rajab  was awarded the Grand Jury Prize at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival in 2025. It received the longest standing ovation in the festival’s history (24 minutes).  Director Ben Hania said in her powerful acceptance speech: “The voice of Hind is the voice of Gaza itself, a cry for rescue the entire world could hear, yet no one answered. Her voice will continue. Her voice will continue to echo until accountability is real, until justice is served.”

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has 98% based on 49 critics reviews. The website’s consensus reads: “Incorporating real-life elements that are as difficult to witness as they are impossible to forget, The Voice of Hind Rajab is a harrowing docudrama that makes a powerful appeal to humanity.” Metacritic assigned the film a score of 85 out of 100, based on 14 critics, indicating “universal acclaim.”

“Not a day has gone by that I haven’t thought of Hind and the life that she was denied. Ben Hania’s film asks you to do the same: to remember her smile, her voice, her love of the sea, and her.”  rogerebert.com.

The film is Tunisia’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026.

Hope to see you at the film on Friday, 30 January 2026 (extra showings on Saturday and Sunday).  Please share with family and friends.  Princess Cinema needs our support to encourage screening of more films on or about Palestine.  Thank you.

In solidarity and peace,
Irene, Robert and WRFP

Film: The Voice of Hind Rajab "I'm so scared... please come" Gaza: January 29 2024 Hind Rajab 3.5.2018 29.1.2024 Friday January 30 ~ 7:00 pm Doors open at 6:30pm Princess Original, Waterloo 6:45pm remarks by Robert Massoud, founder of Zatoun Extra showings: Saturday, Jan-31 @ 4:30pm & Sunday, Feb-01 @ 2:30pm (illustration of a young girls face, with flowers in her hair)

Neighbours for Palestine: Day of Action outside Centra Industries, 1pm on Saturday 3 January 2026

Canada is still complicit in genocide, and Waterloo Region is still arming Israel.

It’s time to act.

Join us as we bring our collective power into 2026. Bring a neighbour. Bring your voice. Liberation is not a moment, it is a practice we return to again and again, year after year.

No more F-35s in our backyards!

Parking: Do not park at Centra Industries. Instead, find parking on Saltsman Drive or nearby businesses that are closed, while avoiding any ‘No Trespassing’ signs.

What to bring: Bring your Palestine flags, posters, signs, megaphones, drums, and anything to make noise. Since we’re meeting in January, be sure to wear warm, comfortable clothing!

Safety guidelines for the day of action

  • Marshals will be wearing vests. You can ask them any questions you may have!
  • Do not interact with agitators, police, or media. We have trained members assigned to deal with each.
  • We will not be interacting with the facility or employees. Our goal is to raise awareness about this manufacturer, not to provoke workers and take away from our message.

Why Centra Industries?

F-35 components made at Centra Industries travel to the assembly line in Fort Worth, Texas, where the F-35s are assembled and then purchased by Israel. Centra Industries is only one of several companies in Waterloo Region contributing weapons to Israel’s genocidal arsenal, but we’re focusing on them because of the exceptionally deadly nature of the F-35 warplane.

Since being elected, Cambridge MP Connie Cody has remained silent on the presence of Centra Industries in her riding and on Bill C-233 (the No More Loopholes Act), which would close the U.S. Loophole. To learn more about the proposed bill, see the Arms Embargo Now (black letters, "Now" is white on red text between two halves of a broken bomb)Arms Embargo Now website.

Rise Up for Gaza, Gaukel Block in Kitchener, 2pm on Saturday 4 October 2025

This October marks two years since the beginning of the genocide in Gaza. Two years of mass killing, displacement, and starvation of a besieged civilian population—carried out with total impunity in full view of the world.

For two years, the Canadian government has chosen complicity—arming Israel, providing unwavering support, ignoring international law, and hiding behind loopholes and half-measures. It is up to us to make clear that this is unacceptable and that we refuse to allow our government to aid genocide in our name.

On Saturday, October 4, join the Palestinian Youth Movement in the streets of Kitchener-Waterloo to shut it down and demand an end to our government’s complicity in genocide. Bring your friends, your family, and your community—together we can make it impossible for our government to ignore our voices.

📢  RiseUp For Gaza

🗓 Saturday, October 4

🕑 2:00 PM

📍 Gaukel Block, Downtown Kitchener

There is no denying it. An extensive UN investigation recently confirmed what has long been known–a genocide is happening in Gaza. The world was warned by the International Court of Justice when it ruled a “plausible genocide” in January 2024 and issued legally binding provisional measures, including that all states must refrain from arming Israel while it is under investigation. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israel’s Prime Minister and Defense Minister for war crimes and crimes against humanity. And leading genocide scholars and human rights experts have loudly sounded the alarm.

Yet the Canadian government has still not even called this a genocide. Instead, Canada remains complicit–sending and buying weapons and military technology, and providing diplomatic cover by repeating the false claim that Israel has a “right to defend itself” while it carries out atrocity crimes against the indigenous Palestinian population of the land it illegally occupies, and continues to annex, in defiance of international law.

Genocide is the crime of all crimes. It cannot be justified under any circumstances. Canada is a signatory to the Genocide Convention, which makes it our government’s responsibility not only to punish but to prevent genocide. The duty to prevent arises the moment serious risk is identified, not after it becomes politically unviable to defend the indefensible. Our government has failed, and the people of Gaza cannot be saved with symbolic gestures like state recognition—they need the bombs to stop falling, the weapons to stop flowing, the blockade to be lifted, and Canada’s complicity to end.

Here in Waterloo Region, our community is directly implicated. Our region is home to over a half-dozen weapons and technology companies exporting parts and components that fuel this genocide. This complicity stains our community and our conscience.

The responsibility to resist genocide falls on all of humanity—but especially on Canadians, whose government is actively helping to sustain it.

Your presence matters on October 4th. Together, we will show that Waterloo Region refuses to stand idly by while genocide is carried out with our government’s support.

Stop the genocide. Stop Canada’s complicity.

We will not be silent until Palestine is free.

In solidarity,

Neighbours for Palestine: Waterloo Region

Draw The Line, Waterloo Public Square, 2pm to 3pm on Saturday 20 September 2025

  • What: National Day of Action: Draw The Line – Waterloo Draw The Line (irregular black letters on an orange background)
  • When: 2:00pm to 3:00pm on Saturday 20 September 2025
  • Where: Waterloo Public Square
  • Location: 75 King Street South Map
  • Online: https://drawtheline.world

Draw The Line | For People, For Peace, For The Planet (photo illustration of two hands coloured like a world globe with white doves flying around them, on a background of clouds)

Cross-Canada Day of Action to call on the Carney government: Put people over profit. Build a green, sustainable future, not more pipelines. Fund our communities, not the war machine. Cut military spending. Uphold Indigenous sovereignty. Stop sending weapons to Ukraine, start negotiating. Stop sending weapons to Israel. End the genocide in Gaza. In recognition of Peace Week. The world needs peace, climate action, justice & cooperation.

Presentation: Canada and the Genocide in Gaza, WLU, 7pm on Friday 19 September 2025

This event has been cancelled. For more information see Wilfrid Laurier University cancels talk on Canada and the Genocide in Gaza from ActionNetwork.org.

  • What: Public Event: Canada and the Genocide in Gaza CFPI | Canadian Foreign Policy Institute (stylized red letters)
  • When: 7:00pm to 9:00pm on Friday 19 September 2025
  • Where: Room 106, Schlegel Building, Wilfid Laurier University
  • Location: 75 University Avenue, Waterloo, Ontario Map
  • Contact: Tamara Lorincz tlorincz@dal.ca

What Rules-Based Order?

Join us for a free, public presentation about Canada’s complicity in the ongoing Israeli genocide against the Palestinian people with Dr. Peter Eglin & Yves Engler. What global rules are Canada & the U.S. following arming Israel? What are the possibilities for peace?

Moderated by Tamara Lorincz, PhD candidate, Balsillie School of International Affairs, Wilfrid Laurier University.

Books will be available for sale.

In recognition of Peace Week. All welcome!

Speakers

  • Dr. Peter Eglin, Professor Emeritus of Wilfrid Laurier University and author of the new book “Analysing the Israel Effect in Canada: A Critical Auto-Ethnography”.
  • Yves Engler, author of “Canada and Israel: Building Apartheid” and NDP leadership candidate.

Public Event: What Rules-Based Order? Canada and the Genocide in Gaza Friday, September 19, 7:00 - 8:50 p.m. Room 106, Schlegel Building Wilfrid Laurier University 75 University Ave., Waterloo (photo of a balding man wearing glasses) Dr. Peter Eglin, Professor Emeritus of Wilfrid Laurier University and author of the new book “Analysing the Israel Effect in Canada: A Critical Auto-Ethnography” Join us for a free, public presentation about Canada’s complicity in the ongoing Israeli genocide against the Palestinian people with Dr. Eglin & Yves Engler. What global rules are Canada & the U.S. following arming Israel? What are the possibilities for peace? Moderated by Tamara Lorincz, PhD candidate, Balsillie School of International Affairs, Wilfrid Laurier University. Books will be available for sale. In recognition of Peace Week. All welcome! (very close close-up of a man with five-o'clock shadow, wearing a blue collared shirt) Yves Engler, author of “Canada and Israel: Building Apartheid” NDP leadership candidate www.foreignpolicy.ca

Movie: The Encampments, Princess Twin Cinemas, 6:30pm Tuesday 30 September 2025

Join us for the premier screening in our community of The Encampments. This 2025 movie is a documentary on the anti-genocide movement and the challenge of protecting the call for free speech. It is a US movie that shows thew student encampment initiative that was ignited by Columbia State University and spread quickly to many universities including University of Waterloo. Following the movie there will be a discussion and opportunity for questions.

Admission : Regular prices for tickets, get yours early in September, they will be available on line at the Princess website.

Zatoun | Palestine in a bottle | Fair Trade Extra Virgin Olive Oil | experience ~ learn ~ share | www.zatoun.com info@zatoun.comZatoun Olive Oil will be available at this event supported by Waterloo Region Friends of Palestine.

Not since the Vietnam War students rocked the world to end the genocide in Gaza | The Encampments | Tuesday, Sept-30 ~ 6:45 pm | Doors open at 6:15 pm | Princess Twin Cinema, Waterloo | Introduction by Robert Massoud, founder of Zatoun & screening followed by conversation | Presented by Princess Cinema in partnership with Waterloo Region Friends for Palestine (WRFP) | Supporters: Canadian Voices for Palestinian Rights (CVPR), Independent Jewish Voices (IJV) Waterloo, KW Neighbours for Palestine, Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM), Sporas and Zatoun | Available for purchase: Zatoun, olive oil from Palestine, T-shirts, kuffiyehs & books | Advance tickets online at www.princesscinemas.com - please purchase early

Not seen since the Vietnam War, a student movement which rocked the world.
The genocide in Gaza ignited the passion of a generation of students.

The Encampments is a 2025 American documentary film about the 2024 Palestine solidarity campus encampments at Columbia University and other university campuses during Israel-Gaza war.

The Encampments is lauded for “its sense of contemporary and historical detail, owed to both footage shot by the filmmakers, as well as by the protesters themselves.” The Columbia Daily Spectator called the film a “testament to the strength of the community born within the student-led pro-Palestinian movement at Columbia, and how hope and belief can grow, even in the face of institutional backlash” and offers an “insightful and intimate look into what happened within the gates, well beyond mainstream coverage.” Also, from Hyperallergic, the online arts magazine, The Encampments “extricates the movement from the grips of mainstream and conservative media narratives and places it back in the hands of its organizers.”

The encampments and the students challenged the big money donors, politicians, administrators and police as had not been for two generations. Relying on false accusations, trumped up charges, student expulsions and intimidation and brutal police force, the establishment was left naked for all to see.

Film will be followed by conversation / Q&A with members from local universities.

USA | Workman and Pritsker | 85 minutes | English

an online comment:

The students always lead the way. Will we be brave enough to follow their example? We must, or any of us can be the next person to be disappeared by our government for voicing dissent.

The Encampments is one of the most vitally important docs I can remember. Citizens of America (and the world) must watch this to see what our universities, police and government are doing to suppress peaceful cries for justice. The footage that was captured is stunning. This is what actual journalism looks like.

Don’t be afraid to speak up. You’re not alone. We need everyone in this fight. Please watch this film.

Hope to see you at the film, please share with family and friends. Princess Cinema needs our support to encourage screening of more films on or about Palestine. Thank you.

In solidarity and peace,
Irene,
Waterloo Region Friends of Palestine

Protest Rally to Demand the CRA Stop Subsidizing Genocide, CRA Offices in Kitchener, Noon on Wednesday 3 September 2025

National Week of Action | Demand the CRA stop subsidizing genocide! | September 2 - 5 ,2025 (a hand holding a bullhorn over a Palestinian flag; various organizations logos along the bottom)

In 2024, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) revoked charity status for the Jewish National Fund and Ne’eman Foundation for violating CRA policy, but that is not enough! Canadian charities are still sending hundreds of millions of dollars per year to Israel, to fund its genocide and expansion of its settler colonial project. These charities are used as front to finance an illegal occupation, apartheid, and genocide—and the CRA allows this to continue.

Join us as part of a National Week of Action to Demand the CRA Stop Subsidizing Genocide. Actions are scheduled from coast to coast between September 2 and 5. You can join our action at lunchtime on Wednesday 3 September 2025 — we’ll be gathering outside the CRA office in downtown Kitchener to call for the CRA to ensure that not a cent of our Canadian tax dollars helps to fund a genocide.

What to bring: Signs and banners.

Parking is available nearby at Centre in the Square. All ages welcome.

Palestinian flag background with white text and graphic accents like a ripped piece of paper and a megaphone. Text reads: National Week of Action September 2-5 2025. CRA: Stop Subsidizing Genocide! Wednesday September 3 12pm 166 Frederick Street Kitchener ON

Urgent Meeting of WR for Palestine, 6pm on Tuesday 5 August 2025

🚨
For two years Canada has lied about their arms trade with Israel- and now we have the proof.

Join us on Tuesday, 5 August 2025 at 6:00pm for a critical community meeting to plan our next steps. Register now via link in bio.

This is your chance to get informed, get organized and take action. This is our chance to demand a two-ways arms embargo on Israel once and for all.

Arms Embargo Now Urgent Community Meeting The time to act is now. For two years Canada lied about sending weapons to Israel -- now we have the proof. Join us to get informed, get organized and to take action. Tues, Aug 5th @ 6:00 Register for Location Link in Bio Palestinian Youth Movement Neighbour

Stop Starving Gaza — KW Emergency Protest at Waterloo Public Square at 6pm on Thursday 24 July 2025

Gaza is being starved to death!

The past few months have pushed our people to the edge — children are dying from hunger and dehydration, families are being wiped out under siege and bombing, and exterminated by a lack of food, water and medical care. This is a murderous genocide, and starvation has become an intentional weapon used by Israel. This inhumanity must be stopped through world protests and actions, we will honour our responsibility to bring this to an end.

JOIN US on Thursday 24 July 2025 at 6:00pm in Waterloo Public Square to demand an immediate lift of the siege! 🇵🇸

Palestinian Youth Movement KW Emergency Protest Stop Starving Gaza Now! Thursday July 24 6:00pm Waterloo Public Square 75 King St S, Waterloo , ON N2J 1P2 (background photo of aid workers carry boxes)

Organizers:

Arms Embargo Now! Rally at Centra Industries, 6pm on Friday 20 June 2025