Candice Breitz Initiates Fundraiser Supporting Gazan Journalists Through Clothing Sales
**Candice Breitz Raises Funds for Palestinian Journalists with Clothing Campaign Amid Gaza Conflict**
Berlin-based South African artist Candice Breitz has launched a unique initiative to raise critical funds for journalists in Gaza, whose work is increasingly perilous amid the ongoing conflict. Through a new clothing line, Breitz is donating all proceeds to the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS), a non-governmental organization representing about 80% of media professionals in Palestine. This campaign comes at a pivotal moment when Palestinian journalists are facing deadly risks; since October 7 last year, 134 journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
Breitz is renowned for blending her artistry with activism, particularly in advocating for marginalized voices. With this project, she once again amplifies the urgent need for free press and the protection of those who risk their lives to report on humanitarian crises.
### The “Never Again” Campaign
The collection of black t-shirts, sweatshirts, and bags features a powerful graphic message: “Never Again Means Never Again.” The colors—blue and white for Judaism, and red and green for Palestine—are a symbolic nod to both Jewish and Palestinian cultures. The sentiment “Never Again” draws from a Holocaust remembrance context but extends to encompass broader anti-violence and anti-oppression themes. Breitz initially posted the design on Instagram on Holocaust Remembrance Day in January 2024, and it has since grown in significance as the Israel-Palestine conflict intensifies.
Each item in the collection is named after prominent Jewish figures who have publicly supported Palestinian rights, including philosopher Nancy Fraser, poet Tomer Dotan Dreyfus, and filmmaker Nan Goldin. Goldin, in particular, made headlines in recent months when she was arrested during a mass sit-in for Palestine outside the New York Stock Exchange. Breitz highlights that these individuals have faced significant backlash in Germany for expressing their pro-Palestinian stances.
### Challenges in German Art and Cultural Institutions
Breitz’s activism has not gone without personal and professional costs. Over the past year, her outspoken criticism of the German government’s support of Israel’s military actions in Gaza has led to strained relationships with major German cultural institutions. One notable episode occurred in November 2023 when the Saarland Museum abruptly canceled a scheduled exhibition of Breitz’s work following public outcry over her social media posts condemning Israeli violence. The museum’s decision was widely criticized, with many accusing the institution of stifling free expression.
The museum defended its stance by stating that it would only collaborate with artists who explicitly denounce Hamas’s terror actions. However, their decision drew mixed reactions and sparked debate about the balance between artistic freedom and political sensitivities.
Four months after the cancellation, the museum’s director resigned from their position, likely a reflection of the turmoil that the incident caused both within and outside the institution.
### Raising Support for Journalism in Conflict Zones
Breitz believes in the critical role that on-the-ground journalism plays during situations of conflict and humanitarian crises. In an email about the campaign, she said, “It is crucial that we express our support for journalism on the ground…we need information from and about those most directly impacted by the ongoing and widespread humanitarian catastrophe in the region.” Her campaign aims not just to raise crucial funds for the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate but also to draw attention to the need for uncensored, free-flowing coverage from conflict zones like Gaza.
In addition to purchasing items from the collection, Breitz encourages supporters to buy gift cards, especially as the holiday season nears, to contribute to the larger cause of press freedom.
### The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS)
The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate is a key player in advocating for the rights and safety of media workers in Palestine. Earlier in 2024, the organization was honored with the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize, a distinguished recognition for its work in defending press freedom in one of the world’s most dangerous regions for journalists.
Founded to unite Palestinian journalists under one entity, the PJS has been instrumental in providing advocacy, safety training, and legal support to its members. As conditions in Gaza continue to worsen, organizations like PJS are critical for ensuring that the voices of those affected by the conflict are heard globally.
### Conclusion: Leveraging Art for Change
Candice Breitz’s clothing line is yet another example of how artists globally are using their platforms to support causes they believe in. Art can transcend boundaries, offering a universal language through which to engage with the world’s most critical issues—including conflict, human rights, and freedom of speech. Breitz’s campaign highlights the inherent power of creative expression to foster activism, promote dialogue, and provide tangible support where it is needed most.
Despite the personal and professional risks she has faced, Breitz’s unwavering activism has brought renewed attention to the plight of Palestinian journalists, who are more at risk than