A Comox Valley educator looks to share her stories connecting with Palestinians in Egypt tonight.
The Comox Valley Fundraising Community is holding an event where resident Bernadette Keenan talks about connecting with those who fled from Gaza, from what the United Nations Special Committee has ruled as an ongoing genocide in the area.
The event’s goal is to share stories of the struggles Palestinians face living in a foreign country while dealing with the trauma of the past year and a half.
The Community says the story began as Keenan, who has been an educator in the Valley since 2010, accepted a teaching position at a British School in Cairo last fall.
“Before leaving for Egypt, the escalation of the genocide occurring in Palestine was forefront in her mind, so she connected with various organizations both in the Comox Valley as well as in Egypt,” said the Fundraising Community.
“A collection of generous donations from Valley residents was brought by Keenan to Network for Palestine (a free store for refugees) and the Meera Centre where Gazan children and their families meet for support, play and art therapy.”
The organization adds Keenan developed a friendship with 28-year-old Mayssa, who made it to Cairo last April with her two daughters, leaving her husband and extended family behind.
It says during that time Keenan aided the family financially and emotionally.
Admission to the event is by donation. It takes place at the Weird Church in Cumberland, running from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
