OPSEU/SEFPO’s Coalition of Racialized Work, Provincial Young Workers Committee, Rainbow Alliance arc-en-ciel and Indigenous Circle will be hosting The Global March to Gaza, Firsthand Experiences & Stories Webinar.
REGISTER HERE to join virtually for free on July 16, 2025, at 7:30pm.
There will be a panel discussion including three Canadian activists who went all the way to Egypt to participate in the Global March to Gaza in order to break Israel’s siege on Gaza and demand a Humanitarian Corridor for the Palestinian People.From the press conference that the Canadian delegation to the Global March to Gaza held with supporting MPs on June 10
th on Parliament Hill:
“In the face of an escalating humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, a Canadian delegation will participate in the Global March to Gaza, a historic international mobilization uniting activists from over 54 countries. Joined by Members of Parliament, the delegation will announce its participation and outline objectives at a press conference on June 10.The Global March to Gaza is a week-long campaign commencing on June 12 in Cairo, Egypt, where participants will travel to al-Arish before marching toward the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Palestine. This mobilization aims to break the Israeli-imposed blockade at Rafah, demand the immediate opening of a humanitarian corridor, and call for an end to the ongoing genocide perpetrated against the Palestinian people.Since March 2, 2025, Israel has maintained a total closure of Gaza’s crossings, effectively severing the flow of food, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid. This blockade centered on Rafah, has precipitated a severe famine, the collapse of healthcare infrastructure, and mass displacement, exacerbating the suffering of Gaza’s 2 million Palestinian residents.The Canadian delegation’s involvement underscores a growing international consensus demanding accountability and immediate action to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.”Our panelists will share their first hand stories about the experiences they faced with the oppressive dictatorial Egyptian regime that arrested, deported, and physically abused the members of the march. The panelists will discuss why they felt the need to take action themselves to act to stop the genocide of the Palestinian people who are now suffering a man made famine while being gunned down and bombarded from the air by Israel.Hats off to these courageous activists who went on this trip knowing all the dangers and that they might not come back to their families.
Meet Our Panelists
Elizabeth Ha is a long time OPSEU activist, Coalition of Racialized Workers Vice Chair, and former chair of the OPSEU Human Rights Committee. Elizabeth has been fighting within OPSEU, OFL and community for the rights of racialized workers, migrant workers and social justice in unions, within the Canadian community and on the international level. In Elizabeth’s own words: “For the past year I spent sleepless nights witnessing the killing and torture in Gaza. The World has watched in horror. These images will haunt us all. But the people in power continue to ignore us and the cries of The Palestinian people. Enough is enough! I have decided to take a stand. I will be marching to Gaza. I will walk for three days to the Rafah border food, medicine and essential supplies are being blocked from entering by the Israeli blockade. “
Ahmed Husseini: Is a Lebanese Canadian, currently married with three children, who has been involved Arab community and student organizations since arriving in Canada 50 years ago. At present, he is engaged with the Canadian Council for Palestine–Ottawa and the Ottawa Coalition for Gaza.In Ahmed’s own words: “On June 11
th, I participated in the March to Gaza in support of justice and solidarity with the Palestinian people.”
Lori Clarke: Has lived in Ottawa since 2000 and a has been a union member of CUPE for 18 years. In Lori’s words: “The decision to be part of the Canadian Delegation on the Global Walk to Gaza was made because progress to end the genocide has been too slow and I am convinced that more direct action was required to make the change needed. Our collective action, together with people of conscience around the world was a significant step towards stopping the inhumane blockade that is intentionally preventing the Palestinian People of the necessities and dignity of life.”
Ammar Afaneh is a Canadian of Palestinian origin, based in Ottawa. He is a passionate leader and a long-time organizer in Ottawa’s Palestinian community, driven by a deep commitment to justice and human rights.Ammar began his activism in university through student groups such as Students Against Israeli Apartheid (SAIA) and Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights (SPHR). Over the years, he remained deeply involved in community-building efforts through APAC (Association of Palestinian Arab Canadians), with a focus on uniting Palestinians through social, cultural, and—now more than ever—political action.Ammar is also a licensed Professional Engineer, bringing both organizational skill and community spirit to every initiative he supports. He regularly volunteers and helps organize local events, including the annual Ottawa Run for Palestine—a grassroots fundraiser promoting awareness and solidarity.In June 2025, Ammar joined the Global March to Gaza. In Ammar’s words: “The march is a bold international effort to break the siege and blockade on Gaza and call attention to the unfolding genocide against its over 2 million besieged residents. For me, this march represents more than solidarity; it is a moral stand against injustice and a demand for freedom, dignity, and humanity.”
Event_Poster_Webinar July 16, 2025
