Whitehorse Palestinian Solidarity Action Interrupts MP's Family Skate Event

The latest in a series of Palestinian solidarity actions in Whitehorse happened on Saturday, January 20, a peaceful protest at Yukon Member of Parliament Brendan Hanley’s free family skate event held at the Whitehorse Canada Games Centre. The action saw Palestinian flags displayed in the stands above the skating rink and the symbolic presentation to Hanley of a flower every 15 minutes to signify the death of a Palestinian child every 15 minutes in Gaza. 

Sisters Fatima and Sana Javed are frustrated at MP Hanley’s apparent lack of responsiveness. Hanley, they say, “has been using this idea of diplomacy, and that ‘the problem is complicated,’ and ‘they’re working behind the scenes,’ to hide from actual action.” 

Hanley, for his part, has released two statements on the subject. One on October 27, reads, in part: “I strongly agree with the goal of what people are asking for: simply to stop the bombing so that civilians can get help now: water, food, fuel, and other essentials, as well as relief for exhausted medical personnel.”

His 2nd statement was released on December 15, 3 days after the joint statement by Trudeau calling for a humanitarian ceasefire, reads in part: “I join the call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. I also support all elements of the joint statement [of Dec. 12]. [...] Canada’s evolving position reflects the appalling death toll and destruction that we continue to see in Gaza, without a clear end in sight.”

This is just the latest action in a series since Israel began its campaign in Gaza in reaction to Hamas’ attacks on Israel on October 7. The goals of the Palestinian solidarity events aim to express opposition against the Israeli Defense Force’s (IDF) invasion, bombing, and genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza and put pressure and raise awareness of the ongoing humanitarian crisis there. Besides the actual goals and targets of the actions, these efforts have been important in building the capacity, diversity, and experience for organizing within the community of Whitehorse. These efforts have now culminated under the name Solidarity Whitehorse. 

The first pro-Palestinian action in Whitehorse occurred on October 13, followed by a larger action on October 26 organized outside the Territorial Legislature, where the turnout included both Yukon Premier Ranj Pilai and Yukon NDP Leader Kate White. On November 4, a march was held down Main Street, which consisted of about 100 people, culminating in some speakers and a rally at the Elijah Smith Building. Another march was held on November 25. Two smaller targeted actions at the office of MP Hanley happened on December 20 and last week on Jan. 15. There was also a fundraiser held at the United Church on November 18 held jointly by the Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities, and recently there have been skill-share sessions on organizing and pressuring politicians.