Each month, we share the stories of World BEYOND War volunteers around the world. Want to volunteer with World BEYOND War? Email greta@worldbeyondwar.org.
Location:
Toronto, Canada
How did you get involved with anti-war activism and World BEYOND War (WBW)?
I became involved with World BEYOND War about 1 year ago. Like many, I have been horrified watching the genocide in Gaza unfolding. Canada has been one of the few countries that has provided military components and diplomatic cover to Israel’s genocide – with some essential military equipment being manufactured only in Canada. I was very inspired by the World BEYOND War direct actions across the country – particularly those aimed at weapons manufacturers and associated infrastructure and events. These actions directly confront war profiteers and war criminals in a very powerful way. World BEYOND War Canada and its chapters have also been some of the groups at the forefront of organizing to pressure our government to implement an arms embargo on Israel, while also publicly calling the government out when they have attempted to mislead and confuse the public about the Canada-Israel arms trade.
What kinds of WBW activities do you work on?
The Toronto chapter of World BEYOND War has many wonderful and inspiring individuals working on a number of activities. I do my best to participate in World BEYOND War Toronto events, although other organizers do much of this organizing work. These events include things like weapons blockades, press conferences, social media campaigns, and educational sessions. I have very much appreciated the local chapter’s discussions on the limitations of the construct of “peace” when this peace is predicated on perpetuating colonialism, apartheid, and other discriminatory or oppressive practices – and the idea that true peace cannot come without liberation for all peoples. Personally, I have recently been involved co-authoring a report to the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territories occupied since 1967 titled Involvement of Canadian Weapons Manufacturers in Commission of International Crimes Connected to Israel’s Occupation, Apartheid, Siege, and Genocide in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. I have also been involved in solidarity organizing with other groups.
What’s your top recommendation for someone who wants to get involved with anti-war activism and WBW?
Find a local or national chapter and try to show up to an event, action, or informational session being organized. These are great opportunities to start to build community and ask about the range of ways you can get more involved.
What keeps you inspired to advocate for change?
Generations before us have struggled to live liberated and free lives. These are intergenerational struggles that span space and time. I believe that together, the People, can build a just future and we must continue to work toward that future. “We are not free until we are all free.”
Posted January 12, 2025.
