It's been a while since the first update for this jumper and it's devastating to write that the one year mark has officially been and gone since an attack on Israel led to the start of a brutal genocide in Gaza in a series of attacks that has not eased up. The news is a relentless cycle of horrors that I can't even begin to comprehend and I know I'm not alone in feeling hopeless about how to help. And whilst I know this hasn't just been going on for the last year (there are so many years of discrimination and displacement and complicated history that I am continually trying to understand!), it is this last year that has brought people together in a very powerful and hopeful way that keeps me pushing forward into doing what I can to make a difference.
If you are able to donate then there are lots of options - the two I've suggested as part of this project have been MAP and Operation Olive Branch.
And if you aren't able to donate or attend protests don't stop putting pressure on your local MP's to keep calling for an immediate ceasefire, and to sign petitions when you see them - especially the ones calling to stop arming Israel.
There are also a whole host of creative initiatives like this one that have seen hundreds of people come together to raise awareness through textiles and craft. This quilt project from Sydney "an inch for each of the dead" is so moving and horrifying and stays on my mind a lot.
A huge thank you to Grace, Becs, Roberta, Rosie and Charlie for all of their mends and the above photos that show the progress of the jumper. It's so emotional to look at and I am just incredibly grateful to everyone involved for donating and giving up their time and skills to make a statement in support of those who need it. It's been amazing to receive photos of these mends and see how everyone has approached the jumper, stitching organically and even following traditional Palestinian patterns. We can make a difference when we come together, and these stitches prove that.
I'll share the next update when we reach mender 15 along the journey - and that will also mark over halfway to the jumper being totally repaired. If you have any thoughts about the best way to raise money and awareness for those suffering in and around Gaza using this jumper then please let me know.
Note: You can see larger versions of these photos over on Patreon.