Read between the Lines

Penny Appeal Canada

Join leading global voices for bold conversations, a live book launch, and support providing urgent relief in Palestine.

Toronto Public Library - Toronto Reference Library

Join us for Read Between the Lines: Narratives, Power &amp; Resistance, a powerful evening of critical conversation, storytelling, and humanitarian action in support of emergency relief efforts in Palestine🍉, with a focus on urgent medical care and life-saving surgeries for those impacted by war.Hosted at the iconic Toronto Reference Library, this live panel brings together internationally recognized journalists, authors, academics, and advocates to explore the intersection of media, identity, power, resistance, and the human realities shaping our world today.The evening will also celebrate the launch of DEI Undone by Dr. Sabreena Ghaffar-Siddiqui, a timely and thought-provoking examination of advocacy, institutional pressures, identity, and the lived consequences faced by individuals speaking out for justice and human rights in the West. Every ticket holder will recieve a FREE copy of DEI Undone. Upgrade to VIP! Meet Our Panelists &amp; Receive a Signed Copy of DEI: Undone 📚<blockquote>When purchasing your ticket, select the Meet &amp; Greet + Book Signing add-on for exclusive access to meet our 4 panelists and receive a signed copy of DEI Undone. Please note: each Meet &amp; Greet ticket admits one (1) guest.</blockquote> <h3>✨Event Production by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ch.impact?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==" title="https://www.instagram.com/ch.impact?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Collective Hour</a></h3><ul><li>Interested in volunteering?<a href="https://forms.gle/pAdnJZ8G4hdNR8C28" title="https://forms.gle/pAdnJZ8G4hdNR8C28" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"> Click here</a></li><li>Driving in? <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/d62k9djPiK6DQyDT9" title="https://maps.app.goo.gl/d62k9djPiK6DQyDT9" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Indigo Parking Garage at 2 Bloor East</a> is just a 2 minute walk away</li><li>Sponsor the Event! <a href="https://pennyappeal.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Read-Between-the-Lines_Sponsorship-Package-5.pdf" title="https://pennyappeal.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Read-Between-the-Lines_Sponsorship-Package-5.pdf" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Become a Leader in YOUR Community</a> </li></ul>

<h3>DEI Undone (2026)</h3><h4>The Rise, Fall and Rebirth of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion</h4><blockquote>DEI: Undone explores how diversity, equity, and inclusion evolved from grassroots justice movements into institutional and corporate frameworks often criticized for performative allyship and limited systemic change. Through cultural analysis and real-world examples, the book examines power, advocacy, identity, and the challenges of speaking out on issues such as Palestine in today’s social and political climate.</blockquote>By Dr. Sabreena Ghaffar-Siddiqui and Dr. Ardavan Eizadirad

<h3>Featured Panelists 🎤</h3><h4>Dr. Sabreena Ghaffar-Siddiqui</h4>Author of DEI: Undone, educator, and advocate whose work examines identity, advocacy, institutional accountability, and the social consequences of political expression.<h4>Abby Martin</h4>Award-winning journalist, filmmaker, and activist known for her reporting on war, media narratives, and global power structures, including her documentary work on Palestine.<h4>Aaron Maté</h4>Independent journalist and commentator recognized for his investigative reporting and analysis on international conflict, media, and foreign policy.<h4>Myriam Francois</h4>British journalist, filmmaker, and academic whose work focuses on media representation, identity, race, and political discourse in the West.<h4>Noora Sharrab (Speaker)</h4>Palestinian-Canadian social entrepreneur and co-founder of <a href="https://sittisoap.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com" title="https://sittisoap.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Sitti</a>, focused on empowering refugee communities through ethical employment, education, and sustainable social enterprise initiatives.<h4>Fawad Kalsi (Speaker &amp; Fundraiser)</h4>CEO of <a href="https://pennyappeal.ca?utm_source=chatgpt.com" title="https://pennyappeal.ca?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Penny Appeal Canada</a>, leading humanitarian, fundraising, and community impact initiatives across Canada and internationally.<h4>Mark Strong (moderator)</h4>Media personality and moderator known for leading engaging conversations on culture, identity, current affairs, and social impact.The discussion will examine not only the devastating humanitarian realities Palestinians are facing , but also the ripple effects experienced globally by those advocating for justice, accountability, and human dignity.

<h2>Event Details</h2><ul><li>General Admission includes a copy of DEI Undone</li><li>General Admission doors open at 7:00 PM</li><li>Seating will be theatre-style and available on a first come, first served basis. Reserved seating will not be available</li><li>Ticket purchases do not include parking. Several parking options are available nearby, including Green P, Indigo Parking, and street parking within a short walking distance</li><li>We recommend checking parking apps such as SpotHero in advance for availability and pricing</li><li>All ticket sales are final and non-refundable</li><li>To ensure a respectful and safe environment for all attendees, any aggressive behaviour, harassment, disruptive conduct, or inappropriate language may result in removal from the event without refund</li></ul> <h2>VIP Meet &amp; Greet Session</h2><ul><li>Meet &amp; Greet + Book Signing will take place at 5:00 PM on the second floor of the Toronto Reference Library</li><li>Meet all 4 panelists and get your DEI Undone book signed by Dr Sabreena Ghaffar-Siddiqui!</li><li>Gain exclusive access to the VIP lounge before showtime (7:00 PM) to network and mingle with likeminded guests!</li><li>Meet &amp; Greet access is exclusive to Meet &amp; Greet ticket holders only, each ticket gains access for one person</li><li>Ticket upgrades may be accommodated based on availability. To upgrade your pre-purchased ticket to include the Meet &amp; Greet + Book Signing experience, please contact the event team directly</li></ul>

<h3>⛑️ In Support of Palestine Emergency Relief ⛑️</h3>All ticket proceeds will support Penny Appeal Canada’s Gaza Emergency Response, efforts, providing urgent humanitarian aid to families affected by the ongoing crisis in Gaza.The evening will also include a live fundraising session, with all funds raised going directly toward relief initiatives including emergency medical care and surgeries, food assistance, essential supplies, and support for vulnerable children and displaced families facing immense hardship.By attending, you are helping turn awareness into action and contributing to critical, life-saving aid for those impacted by the humanitarian crisis in Palestine.<blockquote>This is not a Toronto Public Library event Penny Appeal Canada is a registered Canadian humanitarian charity </blockquote>

Read between the Lines

More events from Penny Appeal Canada

Discover more events from Penny Appeal Canada, from Charity & Causes to other experiences you might love.

Read between the Lines

More events from Penny Appeal Canada

Discover more events from Penny Appeal Canada, from Charity & Causes to other experiences you might love.

You might also like...

Browse more events with different dates, prices, and formats to find your next great experience.