SYDNEY APPLE

i’m sydney!

I fundraise for my friends from Gaza, Qamar and Raghad. In the midst of the ongoing Israeli-American genocide of the Palestinian people, mutual aid has been a lifeline for communities in Gaza. While both Qamar’s & Raghad’s families were able to evacuate Gaza in the Spring of 2024, mutual aid still acts as a source of stability for them as they navigate the complicated life of refugees in Egypt and beyond.

Our current focus is on fundraising for Raghad’s younger sister, Huda. After more than a year without schooling due to the genocide, Huda has enrolled in Ains Shams University in Cairo to study nursing. The cost of her first two semesters have been entirely covered by the money we have fundraised! We are committed to making sure she can continue her schooling.

I Make shirts

I raise money primarily through art, especially the custom t-shirts that you can purchase here. Everything I make by hand in my bedroom with the assistance of my cat, Nessie.

Each letter for the Hotties Hate Zionism tee is hand-placed.

I then expose the shirt to UV light in a process called cyanotype printing. The dye darkens in color where exposed to the light.

Other shirts are made with an airbrush. I hand-cut the stencils & airbrush each shirt, one letter at a time.

All shirts are made with specific textile fabric paint, meaning they can be washed as normal. Still, take care of them! I recommend air-drying rather than tumble drying.

i have friends

What a beautiful community I have, working to build the better future we all deserve. To name a few:

Gaza Champions is a global mutual aid network rooted in reciprocal relationships & cross-border connections. Our DC chapter regularly hosts happy hours, markets, and other events to fundraise around the city. Stay in the loop by following us on instagram or signing up for the newsletter.

Studio Kusi is the best pottery studio in DC. Tucked away in an alley in Mount Pleasant, this small space is a critical hub for community. 100% of profit is donated to mutual aid in DC, Palestine, and Lebanon. (I also moonlight as a teacher there on Saturdays—sign up for an open studio session!)

Zaitona is our on-the-ground mutual aid partner, working to provide essential food assistance to communities experiencing extreme food insecurity in Gaza right now.

Because I can’t make a short list, honorable mentions:

  • Friends of Friends Collective is an art-focused community initiative raising money for friends in Gaza, in partnership with friends at home.
  • Amal Relief and Renewal is Gaza Champion’s 501c3 partner, seeking to formalize and sustain community-led relief efforts.
  • The Museum of the Palestinian People is DC’s first Palestinian museum, dedicated to preserving the history, heritage, and traditions of the Palestinian people.
  • Lulu’s Cafe is a Palestinian-owned cafe in the heart of DC. Check their new menu in collaboration with the film Palestine 36!
  • Right Proper Brewing is Gaza Champions’ #1 happy hour spot.

thank you
love you
free palestine