‘Float for Falastin’ brings humanitarian activism to Wenatchee River

LEAVENWORTH —  A community float down the Wenatchee River on Aug. 2 aims to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza while bringing Leavenworth residents together in solidarity with Palestinians. 

“I thought if we could bring people together here in Leavenworth, floating through town as a show of solidarity to the Palestinian people, our people, our brothers and sisters in Gaza, it would help to humanize people. It would help to humanize Palestinians in Gaza,” said event organizer Abde Elshafei.

The event, called "Float for Falastin," builds on Elshafei's previous organizing efforts in the valley. Last fall, the Leavenworth resident co-organized Falastin! in the Valley, a cultural night and Gaza benefit hosted at Sleeping Lady Resort. The evening brought in approximately 150 attendees and raised over $7,000 for United Palestinian Appeal. 

“Falastin! in the Valley, I think, helped to facilitate a lot of of hard conversations and say things like ‘genocide,’ say things like ‘occupation’ openly in our community… I want to create a larger narrative of like, Palestinian people are good people. They're humans. They deserve life. They deserve freedom,” said Elshafei.

According to the event website, the river float “aims to bear witness to the Genocide in Gaza, specifically how the Genocide targets Gaza's water resources,” citing attacks on the fishing industry, unsafe beach access, and limited access to safe drinking water.

“I actually cry every day as I see these reports, and it's just not even making news…So it got me thinking like, how could I raise awareness to this issue that's so important to me, and bring my friends and my family together to make a difference here in town?” said Elshafei.

The event also aims to raise money for Gaza Soup Kitchen, which is working to provide meals and clean water to Palestinians through a network of kitchens throughout Gaza.

The float will meet at the East Leavenworth Road Public Boat Launch at 12 p.m. on Aug. 2, and take the free river shuttle up to the Icicle Bridge River Access Park. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own floating gear, such as a tube, paddle board, life jacket, water, and sunscreen. A small number of tubes have been donated by Osprey Rafting. Those who need gear can reach out to Elshafei through the event website:https://floatforfalastin.eventbrite.com/

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media