Kundiman stands in solidarity with Palestinians and their struggle for justice, liberation, and sovereignty. We unequivocally condemn the ongoing occupation of and genocide in Palestine.

Unfortunately, due to this age of misinformation, we must make clear: the uplifting of Palestinian lives does not negate the fact that Jewish lives are precious. Zionism must not be conflated with Judaism, and expressions of Palestinian solidarity must not be mistaken for anything beyond just that. We mourn the loss of innocent lives and stand against violence and oppression of all kinds, and we continue to advocate for a world that is more just and free for all peoples.

As an organization that was founded by Asian American poets and a space that sees the arts as a tool of empowerment, education, and liberation, we believe it is imperative to define what it means to be “Asian American.” As a term, Asian American is an inherently political identity that was conceived in the late 60s and forged within the civil rights movement to acknowledge our shared histories and has continued to evolve. The goal, in doing so, is to unite different communities across the broad Asian diaspora, and with other oppressed communities outside of the diaspora, in response to the global struggles against racism, colonialism, and imperialism.

Kundiman’s history and contributions to the literary arts community would not have been possible without these early histories of solidarity and coalition-building, and only continues to be enriched by such unity.

We are grateful and honored to be in community with Palestinian writers who remind us that Palestinian liberation is collective liberation — none of us are free unless we are all free. The literary arts are a tool of liberation that Fellows employ each day, and we are committed to uplifting their voices and stories today, tomorrow, and always.