On Nov. 14, Henna Night took place to raise funds for Gaza. The Olive Branch Resistance is a club created to help donate to Palestinians and those suffering from the ongoing genocide. Members of the club are trying to help those in peril by raising money through organizing fundraising activities, such as Henna Night and bake sales within the school.

The dried and ground leaves of the henna tree are used to make henna, a reddish dye. Since at least the ancient Egyptian era, it has been used as a hair and body dye. Henna stains last for a few days after they reach their peak color before gradually fading with peeling, usually in one to three weeks.

Not only did participants buy pastries and foods, but they paid to get henna done on their hands. There were three hands being done at a time as each person awaited their turn to get their beautiful designs on their dye on their hands.

“I wanted to attend Henna Night because Kushba Rimi has actually done henna for me before and I really like her style and design. I wanted to also support the Palestinian community and fund donations for them,” said Keying Chan, an 11th grader, as she emphasized her reasoning for her participation in the club.

But how did this club originate?

According to Mr. Driver, one of Pace’s English teachers and advisor of the Olive Branch Resistance, said, “Ms. Mornhinweg and I had been approached by students who were interested in it. They were really upset about what was going on in Palestine. This has been an ongoing issue for a long time. But as things got really heated up last year and we were seeing images every day of dead children, people were really upset. And so the students’ association said, ‘We want this club. Will you be our advisors?’ And we say, yes. So basically, the club was created by the students.”

The club was successful with more than 50 people showing up. The club sold various pastries and foods. There were pastries like cupcakes with Palestine flags on them. As people started coming in, the club members were getting plates and cups ready to serve their customers.

“I took part in this club because I know that there are kids my age that are struggling in Palestine. I know a lot of other people at this club who are helping donate and I wanted to join in,” said freshman leader Urmi Ayat.