Readers and Writers Against the Genocide launch online store

Readers and Writers Against the Genocide (RWAG) has launched an online store.

Evolving from the Summer Reading for MPs program that ran last year, RWAG developed t-shirts and tote bags with the literary community group’s logo on the front and one of three poems – written by Sara M Saleh, Omar Sakr and Evelyn Araluen in response to events in Palestine – on the back.

More than 1500 shirts and bags have been purchased, said the organisation, with over $6000 donated to Palestinian-focused organisations Olive Kids, Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN), and Palestine Australia Relief and Action (PARA).

RWAG founder Aviva Tuffield said, ‘We are a group of book lovers who truly believe in the power of words to shift hearts and minds. We maintain that there is an essential role for literature in this current moment, to raise awareness of the genocide, encourage more people to speak up, make our solidarity more visible, and build a community of like-minded people who stand for justice.’

Supporter Michelle de Kretser said, ‘Every day, the genocide Israel is carrying out in Palestine produces heart-shrinking images of death and suffering. The sight of a friend or stranger in a RWAG tee is a welcome reminder that millions around the world oppose Israel’s war crimes and stand in solidarity with a free Palestine.’

More information is available at the RWAG online store.

Category: Local news