Over a year after the Oct. 7 attacks and Israel’s subsequent war on Gaza, Los Angeles residents continue to organize and raise funds for the people of Palestine.
Last week, The Midnight Hour Records in the City of San Fernando hosted its second sold-out Palestine benefit show, featuring rock bands Ceremony and Militarie Gun, with special guest DJ Jeremy Bolm.
All proceeds from the show, organized by Palestinian American Kat Nijmeddin, went directly to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and Care for Gaza.
Almost 500 people attended the event and donated, which raised over $14,000, said Sergio Almafitano, owner of The Midnight Hour Records.
“It’s unfortunate that we have to do it again, a year into this situation,” said Amalfitano. “It’s important to show that we’re not desensitized – because it’s very easy to have burnout.”
Although the reality of the situation can be disheartening, Amalfitano believes these kinds of community events are a form of “communal catharsis” – a way of “checking in with each other” and collectively sharing emotion.
“This [injustice] is still going on. We should still be upset. We should still be trying to make a difference, whatever that difference might be. And we should be creating these systems of mutual aid,” said Amalfitano.
To me, it is sad that a pervasive and unthinking wolfpack non-mentality guides the emotions but not the brains of today’s left.
Palestinians have lain down with snakes, and the snakes now coil around Palestinians for protection.
If peace-loving Palestinians would simply disentangle from the snake-nest of murderers, let punishment or (perhaps, someday?) reformation of misguided hate-mongers take place, there WILL be peace.
Israel has no mandate to kill Arabs, but a few Muslims still follow and propagate an unnecessary, Medieval-mentality mandate to kill Jews.
You alright, bro?