DEAR News Of The Area,
ATTENDING the March for Palestine in Sydney this last weekend was an opportunity to alleviate the sense of hopelessness the ongoing horror in Gaza has brought to many.
It was an opportunity to stand in solidarity with others who share the frustration the inability of the international community sanction Israel and to cease supplying arms and military components to the Israeli Army enabling this genocide.
The actions of the Israeli government contravene the values our soldiers have fought and died for.
The destruction of lives ensuing pain and suffering of a society corralled in the world’s largest prison media day after day is unbearable.
Joining with others to express solidarity offers some peace of mind.
It was humbling to be amongst a diverse cross section of our community.
People of every ethnicity creed and colour. Entire families.
Infants youth and many of the older generations. Prams wheelchairs and walking aids.
Decent people asking for decency at the very least for others.
It was a privilege to be part of such a massive movement also in terms of the Supreme Court’s ruling on the democratic right to protest and speak truth to power being upheld.
The mood of the crowd and the manner in which everyone conducted themselves was inspiring, having come together in solidarity to honour our shared humanity.
Stopped in our tracks with the knowledge we were corralled in a way reminiscent of those in Gaza by high barriers on either side of the bridge and the sheer number of marchers there was an unspoken awareness of the danger to all should anything go awry.
When the word came through there was an issue at the northern exit there was a moment of confusion but overwhelming maintaining the peace and ensuring everyone remained safe was our shared purpose.
We all had questions but we turned with little hesitation.
An estimated 225,000 to 300,000 people attended according to Dr Aldo Raineri, a senior Central Queensland University lecturer based on the distance over which people assembled.
Not a single incident was reported. This was an absolutely awesome outcome.
Congratulations to all concerned. Marching organisers and police.
Given two prior marches of around 200,000 this was not unprecedented and exit strategies would have been managed on those occasions.
There are questions to be answered.
The Australian people have sent a clear message witnessed by every level of government and to millions around the world who are also watching.
We are given hope by this march and all others taking place across the globe.
We are not all lost to fear, warmongering and hatred.
Regards,
Ann LEONARD,
Coffs Harbour.
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