Jews for Ceasefire, Muslim Action Committee host viewing of ‘Naila and the Uprising’

This article was originally published in the Daily Illini.

The CU Muslim Action Committee and U-C Jews for Ceasefire co-hosted a viewing of “Naila and the Uprising” Thursday. Admission to the viewing was free, although the organizations suggested donations to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund.

“Naila and the Uprising” was released in 2017 by Just Vision, a nonprofit media organization. It follows a Palestinian activist named Naila Ayesh as she helps organize a resistance movement during the First Intifada. 

The First Intifada, from 1987 to 1993, was characterized by widespread resistance against Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. Palestinian women, including Ayesh, took a leading role in organizing resistance movements during this period.

The viewing began with a reading of the producer’s notes, which discussed Palestinian women’s dual struggle for political freedom and gender equality. 

After the film ended, the attendees discussed their reactions. An information guide summarized the acronyms and events referenced in the film, recommended supplementary books and websites and suggested ideas for several threads of discussion, including general reactions, media and storytelling, women’s leadership and connections to current events.

Lisa Chason, an organizer for U-C Jews for Ceasefire and a lecturer at the University’s Intensive English Institute, said that the organizations were inspired to show the film in honor of the recent celebration of Women’s History Month.

“It’s a documentary about a woman, and other women, who were involved with the First Intifada, and it’s about the way that they organized and then had issues with getting pushed out of positions of leadership after the men took over that are interesting to talk about and recognize,” Chason said. 

Although Ayesh’s story largely takes place around the West Bank, Chason said they hoped to draw attention to the conflict in the Gaza Strip as well. Chason also said that she hopes the documentary will help bring people together to learn more about the mission behind U-C Jews for Ceasefire.

“We’re very happy to play the role of educating and sharing our beliefs about the kinds of changes we would like to see take place,” Chason said. “And we find these kinds of activities, especially showing a film and having a discussion afterwards … it all works to further the profile of the organization and attract people to come and share in these things.”