To Jason Beckmann, Movement LIC Gym Director:

As climbers and organizers forged within social movements founded upon protecting and expanding human rights, visibility, equality, and access to this sport, we write to you in total solidarity with Climbers for Palestine. We are deeply disappointed by your recent decision to reject their partnership with Latino Outdoors and request that Climbers for Palestine be given the same representation you give to all organized groups. Their goal, much like other LIC partners, is to host events that amplify marginalized communities in the climbing scene. We champion Latino Outdoors’ movement in cancelling their event upon being told they could still host their event, but without Climbers for Palestine, and stand firm in supporting C4P visibility in climbing gyms around NYC as well. 

As one of the largest climbing spaces in this city, hosting and welcoming diverse communities is a critical responsibility we collectively share. When you deny entry to one group, your core values of growth, connection, and integrity waver. It also raises legitimate concerns about your dedication to long-standing partnerships and organizations. In other words, which other causes are you also willing to compromise? Our groups were founded on collective experiences that underscore intersectionality between all causes that place public lands, immigrant communities, queer and trans rights, and folks with disabilities in danger of eradication.

Friday’s June 27th event with Latino Outdoors aimed to fundraise additional funds for Yasser, Najla, Iman, Yassin, Arin, Aseel, and Maysan Hassan: a family of seven living in Khan Younis, a city south of the Gaza Strip. The money that Climbers for Palestine has raised for the Hassan family has gone towards their immediate daily survival which includes medication, clean water, and food. “Maysan (2.5 month old) needs a carton of milk and diapers every 3 days. Arin (6 years old) was injured at the beginning of the war with an eye disease and needs intensive weekly treatments. My wife (Najla) has suffered from thyroid disease since she was young and needs chronic medication.” These are the words of Yasser and this is what their current reality is, while also saving money in order to survive another displacement and evacuate safely once the Rafah crossing opens.

We, the climbers, organizers, and workers in this community, demand that Movement commits to formally hosting Climbers for Palestine as a regular, recurring meetup group, quarterly at minimum, with full C4P branding. 

Thank you for your time.