Yoga & Meditation for Palestine Fundraiser
Saturday 21 June | Bicton
In celebration of Australian Yoga Week and United Nations’ International Yoga Day, join Natalie for an afternoon of yogic relaxation, togetherness, learning and solidarity with Palestinian people.
We acknowledge the Beeliar tribes and Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the Country (Boodja) on which we practice. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. And we recognise their continuing and cultural connection to land, waters and community. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always be, Aboriginal land.
With its universal principles and philosophy of non-violence, compassion and shared humanity, Yoga has the power to unite people from different cultures and walks-of-life. For many Australians, Palestine is a distant place that we know little about or have connection with, other than what we are exposed to through the dystopian lens of conflict and killing.
Palestinians are a joyful, spirited, humble, well-educated and family-centred people.
As the Indigenous Arab people of the Levant region of the Middle East, their culture thrives on an innate connection to the land, on stories of love and loss, and on music, art, poetry and dance. Their faiths include Islam, Christianity and Judaism.
Since 1967 the lands of Palestine, including Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, have been militarily occupied by the state of Israel – making it the longest occupation in modern history. In 2024 the International Court of Justice found Israel’s presence in Palestine to be unlawful. Despite this, the ongoing occupation sees Palestinian people denied basic human rights, self-determination and the ability to return to their homeland. And now they face complete annexation and annihilation.
For over 600 days, the people of Gaza have been subject to the brutality of a genocide, destroying homes, civil infrastructure, agriculture, hospitals, mosques, schools, universities and the fabric of a once vibrant culture. Over 60,000 civilians in Gaza have been killed, including 18,000 children.
The great yogi, social activist and leader Mahatma Gandhi once said: “What is going on in Palestine today cannot be justified by any moral conduct. Let the Jews who claim to be the chosen race prove their title by choosing the way of non-violence for vindicating their position on earth.”
Not only do the people of Palestine deserve liberation, peace and justice, they deserve to be fully seen, understood and celebrated!
About this event
In a relaxed setting, this event is an opportunity to release physical and mental tension, to rest and to reflect.
It’s for anyone who is curious to learn about what is means to be a Palestinian, to reflect on current reality and to grow in understanding and compassion.
It’s a chance to break down cultural barriers, meet and experience life from Palestinian friends including Hala Shanableh, Ayman Qwaider and Sameeha Elwan, whose families have immigrated from Palestine to Perth.
The afternoon includes:
- a simple, uplifting and relaxing yoga and meditation practice, guided by Natalie, that is suitable for everyone including complete beginners;
- warm chai tea donated by Tiger Tea Company Fremantle and snacks;
- listening to Palestinian stories, news and truth;
- the opportunity to ask questions and clarify perspectives; and
- how you can meaningfully support the Palestinian quest for liberation, self-determination and justice.
All yoga mats and gear is supplied.
All proceeds from the afternoon will go to:
- One Step Closer Campaign run by the Municipality of Gaza, supporting children with disabilities and the elderly with prosthetic limbs, physical therapy and medical care, empowering them to live with confidence and dignity and to take new steps forward in life; and
- Emergency Appeal Campaign run by Olive Kids Australia, to secure medical supplies and generator fuel for Al-Awda Hospital as well as provide mattresses, blankets and food packages for displaced children and families.
If you can’t join us for the event, you are welcome to make your own donation via the above links. Your financial donations will be most appreciated.
Please join us!
Event booking details
Time: 3-5pm
Date: Saturday 21 June 2025
Your Donation: $30 per adult and teenagers 16+ years
Venue: St Christophers (Anglican Church) Hall, 120 Waddell Road, Bicton. Click here for a map.
Bring: Your yoga mat and bolster, if you have one.
Bookings: To reserve your place, purchase your ticket below
