Nova Scotia artist Jenn Grant has given us an anti-genocide anthem for Gaza.
Co-written with Daniel Ledwell, “Hello Everyone, Ceasefire Now” was released on YouTube on February 21, four months after Israel’s assault on Gaza began in October.
All proceeds from the song’s purchase go to Palestine Red Crescent Society that is providing humanitarian relief in Gaza.
The song features more than 35 artists from Canada, the UK and Australia.
A video for the song was released on Saturday on Jenn Grant’s Instagram and includes moving images of Palestine solidarity rallies in Halifax.
Grant says the song originates from a series of portraits of Palestinian journalists she did to raise funds and awareness.
“Once that was finished and they were all mailed out, I felt a rise in anxiety as a person who felt helpless and paralyzed by this genocide. Out of that feeling came the song and the idea of it being an anthem for many to share their voices. It was around Christmas time when I wrote it,” said Grant, a multi-award winning artist.
“Ceasefire Now” is repeated in the chorus as is “No one is free until everyone is free.”
Grant wants the song to raise awareness and funds for Palestine. “I hope to continue raising money for PRCS and awareness for all in Palestine who deserve a permanent and immediate ceasefire,” said Grant.
Palestine solidarity activism includes artists conveying how war and occupation has devastated Palestine. Such artwork is not always welcome.
The play, My Name Is Rachel Corrie, based on the diaries and emails of activist Rachel Corrie, who was killed trying to stop a home in Rafah from being destroyed by an Israeli bulldozer when she was 23, was initially banned from playing at the New York Theatre Workshop, but went ahead a year later.
Closer to home, the Fredericton-based Charlotte Street Arts Centre had to deal with complaints before deciding to go ahead with an installation of the art exhibit, A Child’s View of Gaza. The exhibition features drawings by Palestinian children of Operation Cast Lead, Israel’s invasion of Gaza that killed about 1,400 Palestinians, including 320 children, in 2008-2009.
Grant has also experienced blowback for her artwork for Palestine.
“I had experienced blowback early days with the paintings I’d been posting about. After a few weeks of that I didn’t care anymore,” said Grant.
She asked about 100 artists to be part of the Hello Everyone, Ceasefire Now song, and about 35 people came on board. “I wonder if I asked now if that number would be doubled, or tripled,” said Grant.
During the Junos in Halifax in March, Grant performed a free rooftop show at the Halifax popular diner EDNA to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
“That was really exhilarating and a bit nerve wracking to hear all the marching protesters coming up towards our street. Hearing them but not quite seeing them yet. And the police cars around blocking the streets off. I was hoping the protesters would make it there in time and they totally did. After it was finished, I felt like it was the best thing I ever could have done. It’s an honour to sing for the Palestinian people,” said Grant.
Motaz Azaiza is quoted at the end of the song, saying “never forget to say, free Palestine.” His photo of a Palestinian girl trapped under rubble was among Time’s top 10 photos of 2023.
The interview ends with Jenn Grant saying, “free Palestine.”
Tracy Glynn is a member of Fredericton Palestine Solidarity.