Help Elle Join the Global March to Gaza

Hi, I’m Elle Shimada (嶋田会希), a Japanese-born artist and musician based in London.

This June 12–20, I’m joining thousands of people from around the world in the Global March to Gaza ( https://marchtogaza.net) —a peaceful protest on the Rafah border, calling for humanitarian access, an end to the siege, and global accountability.

⸻

Why I’m Going

It’s my time to walk the talk.

This march isn’t without risk, and I’d be lying if I said I’m not scared, but GMTG movement, and the fact that people from all over the world are gathering for Palestine, I feel called to do my small part to show up physically.

Like many of you, I’ve watched countless videos of live-broadcasted genocide on my phone, marched, chanted Free Palestine with my dance floors, donated, signed petitions. I’ve been making music about freedom, Indigenous sovereignty, and the meaning of home for years. But as a woman, and an artist, part of my work is to feel the full weight of human experience—and to carry the message.

I’m walking for all my friends who believe in a free Palestine.

To show Palestinians that we, the people, care.

To stand where governments have failed.

Now, I feel it’s time to walk my talk—to represent all of us who care, and do my part by showing up physically.

Palestinians are not just survivors—they are leaders.

They have shown the world, in real time, what genocide looks like.

They have resisted erasure with nothing but their bodies, their voices, their cameras, and their love for the land that is rightfully theirs.

In the face of unimaginable brutality, they’ve held the line—not only for Palestine, but for all of us.

Because their fight for Indigenous sovereignty is not isolated. It is a mirror.

It’s easy to feel that we are losing in the face of the system that fear controls us, but people are waking up.

Palestinians are leading a global awakening of consciousness—redefining what justice, dignity, and resistance look like in our time.

⸻

What the March Is

• A coordinated civilian action involving over 2,500 people from 30+ countries

• A nonviolent protest on Egyptian soil, from Al-Arish to the Rafah border (approx. 45km on foot)

• A demand for:

• Unblocked humanitarian access

• A permanent corridor for aid

• An end to the bombing and killing of civilians

Schedule:

• June 12 – Arrive in Cairo, meet with international delegates

• June 13–15 – Travel to Al-Arish, begin the peaceful march toward Rafah

• June 16–18 – Hold nonviolent actions and press gatherings at the Rafah border

• June 19 – Return to Cairo

• June 20 – Fly back to London

⸻

Why It Matters

Gaza is starving, bombed, isolated.

NGOs are doing everything they can, but they are blocked.

Aid is piling up at the Rafah crossing and cannot get through.

This march is a civilian-led effort to push the gates open—to let aid in, to let Gaza live.

If governments won’t act, people must.

⸻

What I’m Fundraising For

Item Cost (GBP)

Egypt visa £25.00

Flights to/from Cairo £391

Insurance £62.50

Ground transport to Rafah etc. £85.00

Covered Sublet in London While at Protest – £675

Food & water £200.00

Battery bank & SIM Card £50.00

Contingency £200.00

Total £1688

That’s approximately AUD $3496 (based on June 2025 conversion).

Any additional funds raised will go towards supporting people in Gaza during the March or towards PCRF (Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund)

⸻

I am covering all costs but I’ve just moved to London 1 week ago, and do not have stable income or home yet, so I would be very grateful and touched for your support

Even a small donation helps.

And if you can’t donate, please share.

FREE PALESTINE

FREE YOUR MIND

END OCCUPATION

Warmest love,

Elle