2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Campaigners support Palestinians in huge show of solidarity at Wicklow event
Keen to be proactive, local campaigners, some of which hold weekly vigils, gathered at the Courthouse Arts Centre in Tinahely for a coffee morning that raised more than €2,000.
Additionally, 75 people signed their name on a joint letter to the Foreign Affairs Committee, which will be submitted to the public consultation on the Occupied Territories Bill (OTB), urging the government to ensure both goods and services are kept in the bill to 'ban trade between Ireland and illegal Israeli settlements'.
Wicklow-Wexford TD Brian Brennan, who sits on the Foreign Affairs Committee, was invited to come and hear from his constituents regarding the OTB and other Palestine solidarity matters.
Gorey IPSC, which holds a vigil for lost Palestinians every Wednesday evening at the roundabout in Gorey, joined the event and shared info on local solidarity actions, inviting people to sign postcards to the government regarding the OTB, which will be delivered to the Dáil.
Thanking everyone who donated and came to show solidarity for Palestine, coffee morning organisers Claudia Tormey, Yasmine Phillips and Ríona Sally Hartman gave a special mention to Tinahely Courthouse staff, who provided the space and time for free, local businesses (Coogans Hardware, O'Connor's Pub, Eva Lynch Design Chambers Gala, Centra, First Batch Bakery, Rathwood, Orla Pilates, Kunstverein, D'lish Cafe) for sponsoring raffle prizes and cakes, and Sadhbh O'Sullivan for playing beautiful songs about Palestine, resistance and joy.
'The number of people who supported and contributed to this event shows how much solidarity there is locally for the people of Palestine – people want our government to do more,' Claudia Tormey said.
'By enacting this bill in full, including both goods and services, Ireland can become the first western nation to ban trade with apartheid settlements. TDs and senators on the Foreign Affairs Committee can help Ireland pave the way for other countries.
'They can help Ireland make history like we did back in 1987, when Ireland became the first western country to ban imports from Apartheid South Africa. It's important that we all engage with our elected representatives on this important issue.
'Members of the public are invited to call or email the Foreign Affairs Committee members about the Occupied Territory Bill this week. You'll find info at Individuals and groups can also make submissions to the committee via
