Partaking in a demonstration in his birthplace, Boyle, Co Roscommon, actor Chris O’Dowd expressed that the general public’s perception of the severe crisis and ethnic conflict observed in Gaza shows no alignment with the reactions of most countries worldwide – Ireland being the notable exception.
The Get Shorty and Bridesmaids actor, who recently inaugurated the Boyle Arts Festival, participated in a regular sit-in for Gaza, meeting on a bridge atop the N4, together with his life partner, author and television host Dawn O’Porter.
O’Dowd conceded that an abundance of people find themselves powerless regarding the Gaza situation but commended the united efforts of the Irish populace. “The protests, and ultimately the position of the Irish government, serve as a valuable lesson for the globe,” He declared.
Regrettably, he criticised the responses of the United States and the United Kingdom as lacking. He emphasised the necessity for smaller communities to adopt a united front, as they are equally “horrified and repulsed by the ongoing events” as those demonstrating in urban centres.
Roughly two dozen people were present at the hour-long event.
The architect of the new Sky series Small Town, Big Story, conceded that some individuals consider such gestures insignificant, though he attributes worth to them regardless. “Committing to collective action allows us at least the prospect to voice our shared agreement that the situation is profoundly incorrect,” he stated, “There’s comfort to be found even when one assumes it is futile.”
During these eventful times, he reflected on numerous historical atrocities, musing over how they unfolded. He observed that present events bear resemblance to those past atrocities. Drawing attention to his involvement in the London protest against the proposed invasion of Iraq two decades ago, attended by one million individuals including himself, he disparaged the Labour government of the time for their indifference.
Even though the situation in Gaza is regarded with concern, it doesn’t mean individuals are apathetic, a speaker noted. This individual emphasised that the colonial mentality persists mostly among those who hold power and profit from it. Although there have been demonstrations in American universities, those in authority did not respond equally, he said.
“We feel betrayed and misrepresented globally,” he lamented. He pointed out that there’s a disconnect between governmental actions and public sentiment towards the devastating ethnical cleansing happening, except in Ireland.
One of the coordinators of the weekly meetings in Boyle, Mary Gallagher, expressed how local residents greatly appreciate the backing from O’Dowd and O’Porter. “Our group comprises everyday folk from diverse backgrounds and age groups who share an overpowering sense of horror and helplessness about the atrocities being committed against Gaza’s populace,” she observed.
The sense of outrage at the ongoing genocide taking place in Gaza is so intense that remaining idle at home, merely watching the events unfold, was simply not an option, the educator continued. With the verdict from the International Court of Justice ruling against Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories as unlawful, she concluded that it falls upon the Irish government to shape European policy concerning not just the ongoing war in Gaza, but also future policy configurations.
O’Dowd chimed affirmed with the local residents: “This gathering may be small and brief, but we’ll undoubtedly be present again next week.”