words and pictures by Sally Churchward.
“Free, free Palestine” rang out across Southampton’s Guildhall Square on Saturday (November 4) as around 300 people braved downpours and gathered for the city’s latest Vigil for Gaza.
The crowd was made up of those who have been dedicated to Palestine’s cause for years alongside people who are new to protesting, and had not been aware of the plight of the people of Gaza before recent weeks.
But everyone was united by a deep felt need to do something, to show solidarity and feel a sense of unity in the face of the horrors unfolding in the Middle East, with, as one of the day’s speakers reminded the crowd, around 10,000 civilians, including around 4,000 children, having been killed in Gaza in recent weeks.
The event was organised by Palestine Solidarity Campaign Southampton and Stop the War and drew in people from across Southampton and beyond.
Meg from Shirley was at her first vigil, along with her young children. She had known little about the situation in Palestine prior to recent hostilities and now felt compelled to take action.
“It’s affecting me massively in my daily life,” she said.
“It’s really important to stand up for what is right. There is very little we can do but we have to get our government to listen.”
Richard Wise from Bishopstoke has visited Israel and Palestine twice and said he has seen the deteriorating conditions of Palestinians at first hand.
“I’m not anti-Israel, I’m for Palestine,” he said. “I’d like to see people live in peace together. The fact is, Israel is a recognised state and has huge resources and armed forces and the Palestinians have none of that. It’s a case of oppressor and oppressed.
“Palestinians need people to speak out on their behalf. Without true justice, there can’t be peace.”
Mira, who was at the London protest last weekend, said she found the situation ‘heartbreaking’.
“I can’t believe this is happening – and it’s been happening for 75 years,” she said.
She reflected the feelings of many of those gathered, saying: “It’s like a nightmare and you feel helpless. You can only show your support – I wish we could do more.”
Her daughter Aneequa agreed, saying “It’s really important to show solidarity and support.
“We are way past Israel defending itself – this is genocide and it’s inexcusable.”
Hetty had come from Winchester due to “a sense of solidarity and outlet for anguish and upset.”
Her friend Ali vented her frustration at the British government’s approach: “It’s disgusting that the government is not listening to the population,” she said. “75 percent of people in this country want a ceasefire.”
She highlighted another common theme amongst the crowd, criticising the mainstream media for bias reporting. Later on a chant of “BBC – shame on you” went through the crowd.
Patrick, who along with his children wore a Palestine top and was holding a large flag, was knowledgeable and passionate on the subject.
“We’re here to support all the people who are suffering in Gaza and the Palestinians in general, in their ongoing struggles and persecution by Israel, who are shamefully supported by the British government, most of the EU and especially by America.”
He criticised the UK and USA for not backing a UN resolution calling for a humanitarian truce, adding “there’s no pause and Palestinians are pulling children and babies out of rubble.”
His friend Scott was one of many people who highlighted a sense that the plight of Ukraine has been handled very differently to that of Palestinians – “taxpayer’s money goes to Ukraine, the only difference is that they’re white,” he said.
Rio, also part of their group, added: “I’m disgusted by what we’re seeing and the lack of action. We all see the double standards.”
Nasir, from Southampton, who was at the vigil with his family, including his three children, said that being a father made what is happening in Gaza particularly poignant.
“We’re here to protest against the killing of innocent civilians in Palestine,” he said. “Israel needs to be held accountable.”
Ba Lupton and Julekha Sumra are friends and longtime activists.
“We want to stop this disgusting war,” said Ba. “Women and children are being killed.”
“I wake up with a fever in the night thinking about it,” added Julekha.
The event ran over the planned hour. Members of the crowd came up to take the microphone and chants calling for a cease fire, end of the occupation and support for the people of Palestine rang out across the guildhall square. One of the speakers highlighted that the event was peaceful and that people from different religions and backgrounds were coming together to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
The last speech was given by PSC Southampton member and one of the event organisers, Parveen Ishva (pictured above right).
Addressing the crowd she called for an immediate ceasefire, urgent access to food, water and humanitarian aid for people in Gaza, a real commitment to lasting peace with justice, dignity and a future for Palestinian people and that anyone held captive must be released.
She added: “Defending human rights of Palestinians does not mean we are pro-Hamas. Saying ‘free Palestine’ does not mean we are anti semitic. ‘Free Palestine’ means free Palestinians from the Israeli occupation that’s been robbing their basic human rights for more than 75 years,” and called for an immediate cease fire.
It was a sentiment all gathered shared. There was an overwhelming sense of horror at what is unfolding in Gaza – particularly the killings of children – and a need to do something to stand against it. These people came together in Southampton to raise their voices and call for peace and the end of the killing of Palestinian civilians. It was clear their voices are only going to get louder until peace prevails.
* There will another vigil for Palestine on Tuesday from 5.30pm outside Southampton Guildhall opposite The Stage Door. For more information, visit Palestine Solidarity Campaign Southampton’s Facebook page.
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