Our Community’s Favorite AMP Memories of 2021

It’s been a long yet rewarding year of Palestine advocacy work. From reviving our Youth for Palestine program, to stepping up to organize protests during Israel’s bombings of Gaza, to long road trips spanning 8–24 hours, AMP-MN has been working hard to keep the efforts for Palestine advocacy strong. But none of this would have been possible without the engagement of our wonderful community, who have continuously supported our work and shown incredible dedication to the liberation of Palestine. :)

We asked our community what their favorite AMP events or experiences of 2021 were, and these were their answers:

“Youth summer camp was one of my favorites. I loved the open mic, the protest in D.C and the olive harvest event.” — Ahmad A.

“My favorite part was the DC protest because we were able to all get together on a bus. It was amazing that there was such a large amount people there for Palestine. Plus the march was really fun same with the bus ride.” — Abdulrahman A.

“DC trip and olive harvest!” — Huda E.

“DC Protest. The energy was real; the cause is important. Palestine will be free.” — Zahra A.

“There is something to be said for Kahoot. Nothing perks you up during a 36 hour round-trip bus ride like some good, old fashioned, uber competitive Palestine trivia.” — Erin S.

“Olive Harvest.” — Ali A.

“My favorite memory from this year was from the Olive Harvest event. I remember looking around and seeing so many people, especially kids, looking so happy as they cracked their olives and put together their jars. It felt in that moment that we had really brought the Palestine olive harvest season to Minnesota.” — Mariam E.

“Mine would probably have to be V-Pad, since I felt a huge community uniting presence even though it was all only online as we met to discuss our issues about the current events at hand with our elected officials.” — Baraa A.

“Sana’s Campus Activism Track (CAT) session was my favorite moment. It was beyond engaging, hilarious, and probably the most useful session in the entire program. Thankful for her debate tips and resources, and the easy-to-follow slideshow was the perfect guide.” — Maysoon W.

“Youth meetings and events in the beginning of the year.” — Razi L.

“My favorite event was the AMP convention.” — Shahd A.

“One of my favorite AMP memories from this year is presenting at the Youth Program at the convention in Chicago. I enjoyed connecting with youth from other cities passionate about the same cause!” — Beesan E.

“My favorite experience this year has been the youth! In the last few months, the youth have really taken the AMP MN Youth for Palestine program by storm. From youth open mic night, the first ever youth led event , to an entire MN youth led session at the AMP Conference in Chicago, to the MN youth sweeping at the AMP Conference youth competition. The youth have gone above and beyond this year (mA) and I am so excited to see what they do in 2022 iA!” — Ayah E.

“AMP Game Night! Looking around the room and seeing how excited and engaged everyone is filled my heart. There’s always such a strong sense of community when we gather and it’s a reminder that some of the greatest people are fighting for Palestine :) “ — Tessneem A.

“For me, it was the mere experience of getting to spend time with our inspiring Palestine advocacy community, a community which has become a family to me. When Gaza was bombed this year, I spent a day in tears, consumed by indescribable anger at the way every headline erased us, gaslit us, orientalized us, and put in a position where we have to beg the world to care about basic human rights. But the AMP family served as healing space to me; when I attended the protests during that time, it was impossible to feel powerless, and I can’t say anything less of our monthly book clubs, recreational events, and youth programs. AMP is a family for everyone; a family where our heritage is celebrated and our pain is turned into unwavering resilience; a family who’s existence reminds me that we will never back down.” — Sana W.

As we always say, we are one year closer to a free Palestine, and we have our community to thank.