Boyle Palestine Solidarity Group Trek – 165km Walk
Irish Walkers Connect Palestinian Suffering to Their Own History of Famine in Gaza appeal
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A group of Irish walkers completed a 165km journey from County Roscommon to Dublin, drawing parallels between the Great Famine and the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza, aiming to raise awareness and funds for Palestinian aid.
A group of Irish citizens recently completed a week-long walk from County Roscommon to Dublin, a powerful demonstration of solidarity with the people of Palestine. The walkers,inspired by the past suffering of the Irish people during the Great Famine,sought to connect the experiences of forced displacement and starvation with the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The journey, spanning 165km, aimed to raise awareness, garner political action, and collect funds for vital humanitarian aid organizations operating in Palestine.
Echoes of the past: Drawing Parallels to the Great Famine
The walk was motivated by a deep sense of empathy rooted in Ireland’s own history of colonial hardship. Participants repeatedly emphasized the striking similarities between the suffering endured during the Great Famine and the current situation in Gaza.
“We still have those memories, we carry it in our genes, the effects of the famine,” explained Ms.Gallagher, one of the walkers, to The Irish Times. “We want the Irish people to look at our own famine and realize that forced displacement, and starvation of our own people, and then look at Gaza today and see that it’s that, and much worse.Genocide, ethnic cleansing and now starvation as a weapon of war to add to all of this.”
Liam McNulty, the oldest participant at 83, from Castlerea, Co Roscommon, echoed this sentiment. He highlighted the shared experience of invasion, colonization, and dispossession. “Irish history was a series of invasions, colonisation, expropriation and settlement. And what’s happening now in Gaza is no different. I think that’s why the majority of Irish people empathise with the Palestinians. As they see the parallels between our history.”
The walkers believe that recognizing these historical connections is crucial for fostering understanding and inspiring action. McNulty added, “I don’t agree with violent protests, but peaceful protests like this give us some hope of getting politicians to act, either through our own national parliament or through international bodies.”
A Blanket of Solidarity: Crafting awareness Through Community Action
The walkers were greeted in Dublin by a small but enthusiastic group of supporters,including those who contributed to a remarkable community art project: a crocheted blanket symbolizing solidarity with Gaza.
The blanket, featuring 2,300 squares of red, white, green, and black yarn and wool, was crafted by individuals across Ireland and internationally. Niamh Bonner, the “custodian of the blanket” from Mullingar, explained its significance. “We wrote to libraries and craft groups around Ireland, asking them to send us squares. Some people sat down and learned to crochet so they could make a square. We also got squares from Venezuela, canada, Greece, Germany, england, Afghanistan and Pakistan. We now have 2,300 squares, each one representing 10 children who have been murdered in Gaza.”
The blanket serves as a tangible portrayal of global concern and a poignant reminder of the human cost of the conflict. It also provides a means for those unable to physically participate in the walk to contribute to the cause.
Raising Funds for Humanitarian Aid
Beyond raising awareness, the National Famine War for Palestine walk aimed to generate funds for four charities providing critical humanitarian assistance in Gaza. The organizers hope the walk will inspire further donations and support for organizations working on the ground to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people. The initiative underscores a growing movement within Ireland to advocate for Palestinian rights and hold those responsible for the crisis in Gaza accountable.