What to do on Oct 8
- Take the day off work (or a day of rest if leave isn’t possible).
- Don’t spend: no purchases online or in-store for 24 hours.
- Tell 3 friends. Post: “Gaza Day Off — Oct 8: No Work. No Spending.”
Why it matters
The most effective non-violent protest hits the economy on a weekday. Even a fraction of those who oppose the war withholding labor and spending for one day sends a measurable signal to leaders and corporations.
Note: Posting from personal accounts or cloud calendars can expose identity. Copy/paste is safer.
Proof it can work. Icelandic Women in 1975 DID THIS!
1975: In 1975, about 90% of women in Iceland took a one-day “day off” (not a strike) to make it safer and accessible. The country slowed to a standstill and equal-rights progress accelerated. THE FOLLOWING YEAR THE ICELANDIC GOVERNMENT ENACTED LAWS AND LEGISLATIONS THAT GAVE ICELANDIC WOMEN MORE RIGHTS.
2011: In 2011, a one-day general strike in Oakland shut down one of America’s busiest ports. Short, focused actions can have outsized impact.
2025: Will YOU be a part of this non-violent protest that will save thousands of lives?
Say it in 60 seconds. And post it.
“The most effective non-violent protest hits the economy — I'm calling it Gaza Day Off. On October 8th, take the day off work. If you can’t, take a day of rest and don’t spend a cent. If even a fraction of us stop working and spending for one day, leaders and corporations will feel it. This has worked before — Iceland’s 1975 ‘day off’ brought a country to a standstill. I’m not backed by any organization, I’m not making a cent — I’m doing it because talk changes nothing unless we act. One day. Gaza Day Off. October 8th. No work. No spending. If you agree, share it. It starts with you.”
Privacy tips
- Record with a plain or sky background (avoid location cues).
- Use first name only if you prefer — share the idea, not your identity.
- Post from a dedicated campaign account for separation.
Our Demands
- Suspend arms transfers that enable attacks on civilians. Pause government and corporate military support until international humanitarian law is upheld.
- Unimpeded humanitarian access. Open crossings for food, water, medicine, fuel, and medical evacuations—sustained and monitored.
- Restore and expand funding for frontline relief. Fully fund UN agencies and vetted NGOs delivering aid.
- Protect civilians & uphold international law. Ceasefire, release of civilians unlawfully held, and cooperation with independent investigations and courts.
These demands are non-partisan and focused on civilian protection and international law.
Who’s On Board
- Canadian BDS Coalition
- George Galloway - British MP
- Irlandarra (X)
- Al-Awda Vancouver
- Vancouver Mosque - Ajyal Islamic Centre
- Muslim Food Bank
- RainCity Muslims Society
In the News
George Galloway, MOATS Live Broadcast
“It's a very good idea, I commend it to everyone. Wednesday October 8th. Take the day off if you possibly can...if you cannot take the day off, don't spend anything. If that were to happen all over the world its impact would be clear. A wonderful idea."
Posters — multiple sizes
Print (A3) OR 1024x1536.
A3 - for professional printing. 1024x1536 - digital sharing (i.e. WhatsApp).
Click to preview - or download the full size by clicking the download button below the poster.
Square - good for IG although you may get banned!
Rectangle - 1536x1024 - also okay for socials
1792x2560 - also okay for socials
Twitter / X
FAQ
Do I have to skip work? Yes. Really you should try your best. Whether that means booking a day in advance or... if you absolutely can’t, take a quiet day of rest and avoid spending. Go to your local place of worship, your friend's house, and why not also call your MP and leave one too many voicemails.
Is this political? No, we will try to keep this apolitical focused on the humanitarian issues. Peaceful, non-violent, economic pressure for accountability and an end to mass civilian suffering.
Who runs this? Our aim is to keep this grassroots. We share the idea, your organization yells it loud and clear in your organization, repeatedly. We may ask organizers to join some future meetings if there is a desire for it, and purely for coordination purposes, feedback, etc.
Who started this? A long time organizer and activist in the Muslim community who once hosted the Corrie parents, and helped organize a fundraiser for Gaza after Operation Cast Lead that raised thousands for Islamic Relief. For now they wish to try and keep Gaza Day Off decentralized and primarily faceless if possible. This may change once more organizations are on board, but purely for coordination, feedback purposes. We are open to suggestions, though.
Why do this? Because we have enough academic reports, enough footage of children amputees, yet, corporations, politicians, and world leaders choose to do nothing. It is up to the common person to unite with one another across the world and in cohesion show that we won't let our means of labour be used to cause bloodshed.
If you are apolitical why do you have an endorsement from George Galloway, a former British MP? George Galloway has been extremely vocal and well known for his Palestinian rights activism for decades. He was the biggest and most sincere name we could think of that would be willing to amplify this message.
You mentioned you are Muslim, is Gaza Day Off a Muslim run organization? The current volunteers are all Muslim, but, you do not need to be Muslim to help out at all! We WANT to work with people of different faiths and backgrounds. Our only focus is non-violent economic pressure. We want this to be international, not tied to a specific religion but since we have more experience with the Muslim community, we are reaching out to them first.
You are wasting your time. This will never work. This is pointless.
“So do not lose heart
nor fall into despair; for you will be superior if you are true in faith.” (Qur’an 3:139)
“If the Final Hour comes while you have a palm seedling in your hand, then go ahead and plant it.” (Musnad Ahmad 12491, authentic)
Volunteer Contact
Email us at volunteer@gazadayoff.org
We need help with the following:
- 🌍 Translations for the site and posters (Arabic, French, Spanish, Malay/Indonesian).
- 📧 Local outreach — contacting mosques, unions, or student groups in your area.
- 🎨 Media & graphics — improving posters and visuals.
- 💻 Website content — FAQs, suggestions, and improvements.
- 🖥️ Web design help — CSS, layout, and design upgrades.
- 🎥 Video testimonials — record yourself reading the script for our YouTube page.
- 📲 Social media — boost our content by sharing, reposting, and tagging others.
General Contact
info@gazadayoff.org
Press Inquiries
press@gazadayoff.org