San Jose Honors Palestinian Land Day with Community Education & Environmental Dialogue

On March 28, over 100 residents convened at the Arab American Cultural Center of Silicon Valley to commemorate Palestinian Land Day, marking the 1976 protest in which six Palestinians were killed defending their land.

Inspiring Call to Action

Cody Orouke of the Good Shepherd Collective opened the evening by urging attendees to maintain “the courage to believe in justice for Palestinians.” Founded in 2017 to address gaps in humanitarian aid, the Collective champions grassroots solutions. Orouke emphasized, “Your efforts today spark the hope that meaningful change is possible.”

Environmental Impact & Indigenous Rights

Next, Palestinian Youth Movement organizer Hamza Mahmoud led a panel on the environmental dimensions of the conflict. Topics included:

• Land appropriation and its effects on Palestinian farming
• Water scarcity engineered through policy
• Greenwashing tactics, such as reforestation that masks ecological damage
• The link between indigenous stewardship and sustainable land practices

Attendee Druzie Kazanova of San Jose Against War reflected, “It’s striking how colonial policies betray a lack of respect for the land—no indigenous people would treat their homeland this way.”

Documentary Screening: Yom al-Ard

The program featured a screening of Yom al-Ard, a short documentary by Monica Maurer. Maurer describes Land Day as “a sustained struggle, not a momentary uprising,” highlighting decades of resistance and resilience.

Community Iftar & Networking

Following the educational sessions, participants broke their fast together with pizza from a local Palestinian‑owned eatery. The informal Iftar fostered conversation about the evening’s themes and built connections among activists, students, and community leaders.

Organized by Local Allies

This Land Day gathering was co‑hosted by San Jose Against War and the Arab American Cultural Center, as part of the Anti‑War Action Network’s week of solidarity events. Attendees left inspired to advance environmental justice, indigenous rights, and humanitarian advocacy for Palestinians.

Want to get involved? Visit the Arab American Cultural Center of Silicon Valley or San Jose Against War online to learn about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.