On Saturday afternoon, a considerable crowd, estimated by event organisers at over 60,000, paraded through the heart of Dublin, demonstrating for “freedom and justice for Palestine”. This marked the fifth large-scale demonstration advocating for an end to the conflicts between Israel and Hamas. An official attendance estimate hasn’t yet been released by the Gardaí.
Demonstrators, aplenty and emblazoned with Palestinian flags, started their march at the Garden of Remembrance and continued to Leinster House. The event was set up by the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) and received the backing of more than 120 organisations, as per the IPSC.
Despite a substantial Gardaí presence, Palestinian flags fluttered in the breeze, attached to baby strollers, alongside a main banner, led by a group of women, stating: “Mothers against genocide”.
Brian Molloy, 77, was asked if he required help crossing O’Connell Bridge by a steward, as the demonstration approached D’Olier Street. He declined, stating that he was intending to join the protest. He voiced his worries for those living in Gaza, expressing his stance against the loss of life in what he described as genocide.
The city traffic was brought to a standstill when the march proceeded down O’Connell Street, traversed through College Green, and ascended Dawson Street.
At a rally that extended the length of Molesworth Street, outside the Dáil, Tamar Nijim, a Palestinian student hailing from Gaza, shared that her childhood innocence had been destroyed. She described that a single day in the Gaza Strip feels like a century for inhabitants, citing that the war has caused her to lose faith in global laws and human rights.
A 25-year-old scholar from the University of Limerick emotionally recalled the devastating episode when her family residence was destroyed in an attack, leading to more than two months of dwelling in a canvas shelter under harsh circumstances. She also revealed the trauma of having to witness her family being bombed twice via a video call, feeling helpless and unable to assist.
The crowd was told by Claire Daly, European Parliamentary representative, that Europe’s involvement in the situation will always be remembered. Meanwhile, Zoe Lawlor, Chairperson for IPSC, highlighted that the energy of the campaign remains steadfast and has no plans on diminishing.
Lawlor passionately stated that their unity with the Palestinians is unwavering and she called out to the Irish administration for a significant response to sanction Israel. This includes implementing the Occupied Territories Bill, the Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill and putting an end to all trade relations with Israel.
On the topic of the recent verdict rendered on the Stardust inquest – classifying the incident as an unlawful killing, she commented that the journey for justice in Ireland is a lengthy process, which might be arduous but declares victory for those who persist. She concluded her speech by honouring the victims and their relatives, some of whom were in attendance at the rally.
Near the end of the rally, before it dispersed, well-known artist Christy Moore performed a touching song penned by the U.S. songwriter Jim Page, titled ‘Palestine’, and later interacted with families of those affected by the Stardust tragedy.