Friends of Al Aqsa

🇵🇸 𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗦 & 𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗦 #𝟲𝟳 𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗦 𝗢𝗙𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗞 While Israel’s lockdown and siege of the West Bank enters its sixth day, its military operation in Al-Khalil continues, displacing nearly 5,000 Palestinians, carrying out mass arrests, and demolishing homes and buildings. Benjamin Netanyahu has stated: “We will act to destroy this place, to change it completely”. His words make our solidarity more important than ever. Join us this Friday to demand an immediate end to Israel’s lockdown of the West Bank and its genocide in Gaza. 📅 Friday 30th October 2026 🕕 6:00pm–7:00pm 📍 Leicester Train Station Bring your family, friends, pots, pans, and your voice. Every person makes a difference.

𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝘀𝗿𝗮𝗲𝗹’𝘀 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 Serbia’s student-led movement has secured a historic electoral victory, defeating Aleksandar Vučić’s ruling political bloc after almost two years of protests. The result could mark a major shift in Serbia’s relationship with Israel. Under Vučić, Serbia’s arms exports to Israel surged, while military cooperation with Israeli weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems expanded through major defence contracts and joint drone production. But the Student List has made its position on Palestine clear, pledging: “We will not be complicit in the systematic attempt to destroy the Palestinian people.” The Student List’s victory shows that people no longer accept the Israeli narrative. That same week, Brazil saw an electoral triumph for Lula, who has consistently condemned Israel’s genocide in Gaza. This is more than a string of political wins; it is a symbol of the permanent shift in global sentiment against Israel and its crimes against humanity. Read our full statement.

☕ 𝗧𝗲𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘇 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 As part of 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, Friends of Al-Aqsa is excited to announce the return of the Tea & Tatreez Workshop. Join us for a creative afternoon celebrating Palestinian embroidery, drinking tea, and stitching beautiful Tatreez motifs together. 📅 Date: Sunday 29th November 2026 🕕 Time: 3:00pm – 6:00pm 📍 Location: Al Hikmah Centre, Track Road, Batley WF17 7AA 💵 Price: £20 per person – no experience needed! Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis. For more info, contact 07438 870582 🎟️ Book now: foa.org.uk/tea-tatreez-batle…

🇵🇸 NOW: Protestors gather outside of 10 Downing Street to demand an immediate end to Israel’s assault and lockdown of the West Bank.

☕ 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 As part of 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, Friends of Al-Aqsa is excited to announce our upcoming Chai & Ceramics Workshop Join us for a relaxing and creative afternoon inspired by the rich culture, heritage and beauty of Palestine. Create your own unique ceramic piece, shaping and decorating it with Palestinian-inspired designs, patterns and motifs. Enjoy a cup of chai as we come together to celebrate Palestinian artistry and creativity. 📅 Date: Sunday 29th November 2026! 🕕 Time: 3:00pm – 6:00pm 📍 Location: Al Hikmah Centre, Track Road, Batley WF17 7AA 💵 Price: £20 per person All experience levels welcome. Come along, get creative and take home a handmade piece inspired by Palestine. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. For more info contact: 07438 870582 🎟️ Book now: foa.org.uk/chai-ceramics

🚨 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗹-𝗔𝗾𝘀𝗮 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗜𝘀𝗿𝗮𝗲𝗹’𝘀 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮𝘂𝗹𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗸 Israel has imposed a sweeping lockdown across the West Bank, while its major military operation in Al-Khalil has forcibly displaced thousands of Palestinians, demolished homes and carried out mass arrests. Benjamin Netanyahu declared: “𝗪𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲, 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆.” This is 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁. Israel must end its assault on Al-Khalil and the West Bank. The siege must be lifted. The forced displacement must stop, and Palestinians must be allowed to live freely and safely in their own homes. 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗜𝘀𝗿𝗮𝗲𝗹’𝘀 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮𝘂𝗹𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗸 📍 10 Downing Street, London 📅 Monday 26 October 🕕 6:00 PM

🚨 𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗬 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗦𝗧: 𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗦 𝗢𝗙𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗞 🇵🇸 Israel has launched a major military operation across the occupied West Bank, with Palestinian families being forcibly displaced, homes and businesses demolished, mass arrests carried out and the entire territory placed under siege and lockdown. In Al-Khalil alone, more than 2,000 Palestinians have already been forced from their homes. Israeli forces have sealed off the city and turned Palestinian homes into military positions and interrogation centres. Benjamin Netanyahu has said “We will act to destroy this place, ⁠to change it completely,” This is collective punishment. We cannot stand by. Join Friends of Al-Aqsa for an emergency protest outside Downing Street to demand an end to Israel’s assault on the West Bank. 📍 10 Downing Street, London 📅 Monday 26 October 🕕 6:00 PM

🇵🇸 𝗩𝗢𝗟𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗙𝗢𝗔 Want to do more for Palestine? Join Friends of Al-Aqsa for an evening to learn more about volunteering, meet members of our team, and help shape our future campaigns and events. Whether you’re interested in campaigning, content creation, event organisation, fundraising, photography, research, or community engagement, there’s a role for you. 📅 Tuesday 3 November 🕕 6:00pm 📍 127 King Street, London W6 9JG If you’re based in London and want to get active, join us. Sign up now at: foa.org.uk/events/volunteer-…

As part of 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, Friends of Al-Aqsa presents: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗾𝘀𝗮 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗿, an exciting, hands-on adventure designed especially for children! Created to spark a deep love and curiosity for Masjid Al-Aqsa, one of Islam's holiest sites, children journey through themed stations, completing fun challenges and activities. At each stop they collect stickers for their very own Aqsa Passport. Once all stations are completed, they officially graduate as Aqsa Explorers! Details: 📅 Date: Sunday 29 November 🕕 Time: 2:00pm - 5:00pm 📍 Location: Audley Centre, Chester Street, BB1 1DW 🔞 Age: 5-12 (Must be accompanied by parent/guardian Book here: foa.org.uk/aqsa-explorer-bla…

🚨 𝗔𝗺𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗨𝗞 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 A new report from Amnesty International has documented the increasingly restrictive treatment of Palestine solidarity across UK universities. From censorship and restrictions on peaceful protest to surveillance and disciplinary action, pro-Palestine activism is being subjected to heightened scrutiny, with Palestinian, Arab and Muslim students and staff disproportionately affected. Crucially, Amnesty’s findings reveal a systemic institutional response to Palestine solidarity across the UK university sector, contributing to a “chilling effect” where people who speak up risk severe consequences. At a time when Israel is perpetrating genocide in Gaza, the suppression of pro-Palestine activism raises questions about the UK’s commitment to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and academic freedom. Swipe to read our update on Amnesty International’s report.

🇵🇸 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗢𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗽 - 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗺 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 As part of 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, Join us for a powerful evening exploring Palestinian loss, trauma and the ongoing struggle for justice through decades of life under Israeli occupation. 📅 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟴𝘁𝗵 𝗡𝗼𝘃 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 🕖 𝟳:𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠 – 𝟭𝟬:𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠 📍 Northfield Hall, Huddersfield 🎟️ Tickets: £5 per person 🔞 Ages 12+ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲: · Film screening · Refreshments · Palestine-themed stall · Exhibition 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘄 foa.org.uk/where-olive-trees…

💍 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 ‘𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵’ 𝗺𝘆𝘁𝗵 What happens when a bride and groom choose to join a Palestine demonstration on their wedding day? In a new article for Middle East Eye, Friends of Al-Aqsa Chair Dr Ismail Patel reflects on the photograph that sparked a wave of abuse online and what it revealed about the myths surrounding Palestine demonstrations. For three years, our national demonstrations have been smeared as “hate marches”. Yet the reality is very different: families, pensioners, Muslims, Christians, Jews and people of all backgrounds have marched together for Palestinian freedom. As Dr Ismail Patel writes, “𝗔𝗻𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻.” Read the full article in Middle East Eye. middleeasteye.net/opinion/we…

𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗮’𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲 “𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝘆.” China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has told Israeli President Isaac Herzog that Israel must “stop and reverse” its “forced establishment” of settlements in the occupied West Bank. His comments are the latest sign of Israel’s growing diplomatic isolation as more governments condemn its illegal settlement project and take concrete action against settlement trade. Just weeks ago, dozens of delegations walked out of the UN General Assembly as Benjamin Netanyahu began his address. As Israel continues its occupation, apartheid and genocide against the Palestinian people, its diplomatic isolation is growing. Read our full statement.

𝗪𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗿: 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘀 | 𝗠𝗼𝗮𝘇𝘇𝗮𝗺 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗴 🕯️ Our latest episode is live and it's one that doesn't flinch from the truth. @Moazzam_Begg joins Lanterns of Liberation. A former Guantánamo detainee, human rights activist and outreach director for CAGE, his story is one of the most powerful testimonies of what the War on Terror really looked like from the inside. They built a narrative. They sold us a war. And millions paid the price. Watch now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts @thelanternspod

𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘇 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: 𝗔 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 Join us for a meaningful and creative afternoon as we explore the beautiful tradition of Palestinian embroidery (tatreez) during Palestine Awareness Week 2026. Tatreez is more than just intricate stitches, it is a symbol of resilience, identity, and the enduring spirit of Palestinian women. What to Expect 🧵 Learn to create traditional Palestinian embroidery motifs 📖 Discover the cultural and historical significance of tatreez 🎨 Enjoy a hands-on, inspiring experience, perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike ☕ Afternoon Tea will be served Spaces are limited, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this workshop 📅 Sunday 22 November 2026 ⏰ 2:00pm – 5:00pm 📍 Royal Suite, East Park Road, LE5 4QD 💷 £30 per person Book now: foa.org.uk/tatreez-leicester

📚 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗷𝗶𝗱 𝗔𝗹-𝗔𝗾𝘀𝗮: 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝘆 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 Discover the treasures of Masjid Al-Aqsa and why this sacred sanctuary lives at the heart of Muslim faith and identity. In 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗷𝗶𝗱 𝗔𝗹-𝗔𝗾𝘀𝗮: 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝘆 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆, Dr Ismail Adam Patel draws on the Qur’an, Prophetic traditions and the rich heritage of Islamic scholarship to reveal the spiritual treasures of this blessed land. Explore Masjid Al-Aqsa not merely as a historic sanctuary, but as a living bridge between the temporal and the eternal. A symbol which strengthens Muslim identity, unites the Ummah and brings to fore timeless sacred traditions. Masjid Al-Aqsa has inspired generations to honour it, protect it and remain spiritually connected to it. Learn the enduring significance of this connection and deepen your understanding of the eternal relationship between humanity and the Divine. Available now. Order your copy. shop.foa.org.uk/treasures-of…

🇵🇸 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 | 𝟮𝟯–𝟮𝟵 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 is approaching! As Israel’s genocide in Gaza continues and Palestinians continue to live under occupation, it is vital that we continue to take action, raise awareness, create spaces to learn, and bring more people together in solidarity. From culture, history and art to faith, food and politics, there are so many ways to get involved. Whether you’re an individual, part of a university society, a community group, a place of worship or any other network, you can organise something, start conversations and help build a stronger movement for Palestine. Visit our website for more information and ideas to help you organise an event. Keep an eye out for details of FOA-organised events coming soon. 📅 23–29 November 2026 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴. Make sure to share your events using #PalestineAwarenessWeek foa.org.uk/events/paw2026

🇵🇸 WATCH: Dr Ismail Patel, Chair of Friends of Al-Aqsa speaks to TRT World during the National Demonstration for Palestine.