Solidarity Vigil for Gaza in Belfast

29/12/09

Around 60 people, including a dozen éirígí activists, braved the cold winter weather in Belfast yesterday evening [December 28] for a candlelit vigil in solidarity with the people of the Gaza Strip.

The vigil was one of a number of events being held around the country to mark the anniversary of the Israeli military assault on Gaza that left 1,400 Palestinians dead.

Extra impetus was added to the event by the knowledge that two Irish solidarity activists in Jordan, Caoimhe Butterly and John Hurson, along with 85-year-old survivor of the Nazi Holocaust Hedy Epstein and 12 others had begun a hunger strike in protest against the Egyptian government’s refusal to allow the Viva Palestina international aid convoy to pass through the country into Gaza.

Those participating in the vigil received support from passing cars and pedestrians, and were buoyed as news filtered through that the convoy leaders had reached an agreement with the Egyptian government on a new route.

The convoy will now travel to Syrian port of Latakia, and from there to El Arish in northern Egypt and then by road to Gaza. Having been joined by hundreds of international solidarity activists in Jordan, the Viva Palestina convoy still hopes to reach its destination in time for the Gaza Freedom March on Thursday [December 31].

Speaking at the vigil, Belfast éirígí activist John McCusker said: “The events of the past few days have clearly shown that the nightmare still isn’t over for the people of Gaza. We commend the efforts of the people participating in the international aid convoy and congratulate them that they’re on the move again.

“For those of us who can’t be in Palestine physically, we hope that events like tonight’s vigil will show the people of Palestine that there are people all over the world who are with them in spirit.”

For more information on events commemorating the Israeli assault on Gaza, click here: http://www.ipsc.ie/gaza2010/index.html