Berlin-based South African artist Candice Breitz has launched a clothing campaign to raise funds for Palestinian journalists and media workers in Gaza. The profits from this campaign will be donated to the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS), a non-governmental organization representing a majority of Palestine’s media workers. The PJS was recently honored with the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize for their dedication to journalistic freedom.
The campaign features black t-shirts, sweatshirts, and other items with a design that reads, “Never Again Means Never Again,” in colors representing Judaism and the Palestinian flag. This design was originally shared by Breitz on Instagram for Holocaust Remembrance Day in January. Each item is named after prominent Jewish figures who have expressed support for Palestine, such as Nancy Fraser, Tomer Dotan Dreyfus, and Nan Goldin.
Breitz, who is Jewish, has been vocal about her condemnation of the German government’s support of Israel’s attacks on Gaza. This has led to strained relationships with cultural institutions in Germany, including the Saarland Museum, which canceled a presentation of her video installation TLDR last year. The museum cited Breitz’s comments on Israeli violence in Gaza as the reason for the cancellation.
Despite these challenges, Breitz remains committed to supporting journalism on the ground in Gaza through her clothing campaign. She encourages supporters to contribute by purchasing gift cards for loved ones ahead of the holiday season. By raising awareness and funds for Palestinian journalists and media workers, Breitz hopes to shed light on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
Overall, Breitz’s campaign serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of freedom of the press and the need to support journalists in conflict zones. Through her artistic expression and advocacy, she is making a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by the violence in Gaza.
