Belfast Hurling Blitz Raises Funds for Gaza
- Hundreds gathered in Belfast this weekend to witness a remarkable display of solidarity with the people of Gaza.A hurling blitz, organized by Gaels against Genocide, brought together young...
- The event was deeply moving,notably for those with direct ties to the region.
- The fundraiser directly addresses a critical and escalating humanitarian crisis.
Children’s Hurling blitz in Belfast raises Funds for Gaza Maternity Care
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A Powerful Display of Solidarity
Hundreds gathered in Belfast this weekend to witness a remarkable display of solidarity with the people of Gaza.A hurling blitz, organized by Gaels against Genocide, brought together young players in a fundraising effort focused on providing critical maternity care to women in the Gaza Strip.
The event was deeply moving,notably for those with direct ties to the region. Dr. Saeb Sha’ath, originally from Gaza and now living in belfast, addressed the crowd, expressing his amazement at the children’s support. “It was amazing to see the kids doing their best to support the Palestinian people,” he said, adding with visible emotion, “we lost so many people.” He noted the poignant impact of witnessing the children play, a stark reminder of the losses suffered.
The Urgent Need for Maternity Care in gaza
The fundraiser directly addresses a critical and escalating humanitarian crisis. The United Nations estimates that approximately 55,000 women in Gaza are currently pregnant,facing immense challenges in accessing even basic healthcare. The funds raised will go towards the purchase and deployment of a mobile maternity unit,providing a vital lifeline for pregnant women who have nowhere else to turn.
Palestine Aid’s John Hurson, involved in building the mobile maternity units, recently returned from Cairo where the first unit was completed. He shared that, thanks to the tournament and recent donations, a 60% deposit has been secured for a second unit. Production is slated to begin next week, with completion expected within six weeks. “Hopefully some day very, very soon… ther will be a day after that the clinics will go in [to Gaza],” Hurson added, expressing hope for a future where permanent healthcare facilities can be re-established.
A Symbolic Blitz: 7,200 Seconds of Remembrance
The hurling blitz itself was a powerful symbol of support and remembrance. Eight teams of under-nine players from west Belfast participated, each team proudly wearing jerseys bearing the names of towns and cities that have been destroyed in Gaza. The two-hour blitz was structured to represent the scale of the tragedy: each of the 7,200 seconds of play represented seven children who have been killed or injured in Gaza since 2023.
Adding to the symbolism, all participating players were presented with medals designed in the shape of a map of Palestine, a lasting memento of their contribution and a visual reminder of the cause they supported.