Over the last year, Oak Parkers have welcomed and supported amnesty seekers and have demonstrated against ICE. Our village board has passed a Trans Day of Visibility, and community members have rallied to protest Lurie Hospital’s end to gender affirming care for teens. More than 1,600 residents signed the Oak Park Ceasefire Resolution, calling for an immediate ceasefire, release of the hostages, and full humanitarian aid to Gaza, and we raised over $25,000 for Palestinian children at last year’s Gather for Gaza.
On Oct. 9, we will host a fundraiser that will continue our laser-focus on human rights under attack. Arts as Resistance, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the historic Nineteenth Century Club at 178 Forest Ave. will support three organizations that are on the front lines of supporting targeted communities in Palestine and in the U.S.
This event will build community and provide direct financial support to grassroots organizations feeding people in Gaza, (Watermelon Sisters) protecting immigrants (Palenque LSNA), and supporting LGBTQ+ human rights (Oak Park PFLAG).
Dozens of performing and visual artists from around the Chicago area are donating their talents to support this event. Their efforts and those of our community volunteers and co-sponsors will make this a night to remember.
Together, we can overcome feelings of hopelessness by celebrating the arts as resistance and concretely donating to these essential organizations.
Please buy a ticket now (last year’s event sold out) or donate if you cannot attend. Links to ticket sales and donations are available at tinyurl.com/artasresist.
Please direct any questions to artasresistance2025@gmail.com.
Caren Van Slyke
Steering Committee
Committee for a Just Peace in Palestine/Israel
cjpip.org