"Panels for Palestine" depicts eight Palestinian families, all of whom became refugees during Israel's most recent assault on their homeland. Early on in the war, I began communicating with several refugee families on Instagram. I'd share their posts and donate to them when I could, but it didn't feel like enough. So, I began asking if they'd like me to draw comics for them, as a way of sharing their stories with the world in a different way.
Each comic was made in collaboration with the families depicted, or sometimes with the help of an intermediary who was managing their campaigns for them. My focus was on getting them done, not perfect, so I only spent a couple of hours on each page. Once they were finished, the families shared them on social media as part of their crowdfunding campaigns. Occasionally they were shared by other organizations as well.
The Palestinian people want nothing more than the rest of us: peace, autonomy, and a safe place in which to live their lives and raise their families. I am ashamed by my own country's decades-long commitment to Palestinian oppression, and I know that art isn't enough to change hearts, or minds, or policy. But I feel that it's a step toward the light nonetheless.
Rather than purchasing this work, please consider making a donation to a reputable relief organization, such as UNRWA or Operation Olive Branch. Even more importantly, let your elected representatives know that you do not support genocide and refuse to support officeholders who do as well.
