Over 40 people attended the Benefit to raise money for Medical Aid for Palestinians that was held at the Church Hall in Knighton on Saturday 28th October. Local people shared music, songs, poems, and readings. All present were appalled at the Hamas killings in Israel and horrified at the resulting genocide in Gaza.
All the contributions reflected grief and compassion. Readings included a quote from an Israeli woman, Michal Halev, whose 20 year old son was killed by Hamas on October 7th who said, ‘In my name I want no vengeance …… May one ancestral genocide not be used as fuel to enact another. It has happened too many times across the earth’.
£625 was raised was raised for medical aid for Palestinians but when it will be able to get into Gaza is unknown.
Around 10 people went onto a rainy candle lit vigil by the clock tower in Knighton. Palestinian flags were flown in global support and recognition that millions were out on the streets that day calling for an immediate ceasefire.
Local residents said :-
Camilla – ‘The UK government is cowardly. Calling for a cease fire does not equate to support for Hamas. All sides must obey international humanitarian law’.
Angie – ‘There is no peace without justice. Israel must be called to account for years of illegal occupation, killings and theft of land and water.’
Lee – ‘Muslims across the UK and the world are appalled at Israel’s attacks on Gaza. But you don’t have to be Muslim to be horrified by what is happening – just human. That is why I am horrified’.
