An aid group consisting of two self-identified “queer settlers” is paying individuals to protest on behalf of Palestinians in Victoria, BC.
The “Solidarity Fund for Palestine” by the aid group Plenty Collective is run by “Wren (she/they)” and “Jewel (she/her).”
Their aid group is currently accepting applications from individuals who want to receive money to join their pro-Palestinian protests.
“This fund is available to folks or groups based in Lekwungen Territory (aka “Victoria, BC”) who are incurring costs related to supporting or organizing actions in solidarity with Palestine and Palestinian people,” the website reads.
“This fund is to help cover costs incurred when organizing or participating in local actions. This can include, but is not limited to, the costs of lost wages, supplies, items for fundraising, paying speakers, etc.”
The application form indicates that Wren and Jewel, two white individuals, are prioritizing non-white (“BIPOC”) and Palestinian-Canadians to be accepted to receive protest funding.
Victoria theatre vandalized with pro-Palestinian slogans
Last week in Victoria, the Belfry Theatre was vandalized with pro-Palestinian slogans over the theatre’s scheduled play called The Runner, something that Plenty Collective demanded they cancel.
The Belfry Theatre’s website indicated the play centered on a Jewish man who “grapples with the political and moral fallout after saving a Palestinian woman’s life — and leaving a fatally wounded Israeli soldier behind.”
The theater ultimately submitted and canceled the play.
It’s unclear if these protesters who vandalized the theater were funded by Plenty Collective.
Seemingly lost on the two individuals paying protesters to join in on pro-Palestinian protests is that the Palestinians generally come from countries that still uphold laws that criminalize same-sex relationships and activities. For example in Jordan, 95% of the population opposes homosexuality, and government agents regularly threaten, intimidate, and ‘out’ gay individuals to their families.
