The Flower People, Hague Gallery
Indigenous Survivance & Solidarity Blanket
A blanket provides warmth and security. It suggests the comforts of home, family and love. My Grandmother – Olive Rose created an heirloom blanket just before her passing which included images of her seven children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. This blanket has a spirit. It tells stories. It is nothing short of precious and will serve as marker in time for my family’s collective histories.
Yafa Jarrar, daughter of Khalida and Ghassan Jarrar is pictured wrapped in the Indigenous Survivance & Solidarity Blanket. On August 20th, 2014 a force of 50 Israeli soldiers savagely invaded Yafa’s family home and gave an order to expel her mother, from her Ramallah home and Indigenous Lands. Khalida Jarrar, is an influential female lawmaker and leader in the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a leftist organisation considered illegal by Israel. Jarrar bravely responded with, “You, the occupation, are killing our Palestinian people. You practice mass arrests, demolish homes, kidnap people from their homes and deport them. It is you who must leave our home.” Jarrar refused the order and set up a permanent protest and solidarity tent outside the Palestinian Legislative Council building.
The news of this deeply disturbed me - my heart sank into my chest – the grotesque invasiveness and violation of home and sanctuary was deplorable and frightening. I wanted to do something. I chose to create a blanket in honour and solidarity with Khalida Jarrar. I imagined that I could send the blanket to her - keep her warm in the tent…that had prayers in it… messages of survivance, solidarity and justice… of protection and love.
From Treaty 4 territory on Turtle Island – from my heart to Khalida and to all political prisoners who fight for truth and justice – for all Indigenous Peoples who fight or their right to live and prosper on their land with their families and loved ones – I dedicate my prayers to you.
To learn more about this warrior visit: samidoun.net
