Zeina Alazzeh, a representative from the Palestinian Embassy, was presented with the Spirit of Mother Jones Award in Cork yesterday, a prideful honour for the Palestinian people. The award acknowledges the bravery and endurance of Palestinian citizens amidst the heavy Israeli actions against Gaza.
The Spirit of Mother Jones Award is annually given by the Cork Mother Jones Committee to campaigners and activists who exemplify the spirit of Cork-born US labor activist, Mary Harris, popularly known as Mother Jones. Harris has been a dedicated advocate for workers’ rights in America.
Jim Nolan, spokesperson for the Cork Mother Jones Committee revealed their contentment with Zeina Alazzeh accepting the award on behalf of the Embassy of the State of Palestine. However, he admitted that the award, in practical terms, could appear as a minor contribution. He added, however, that the award illustrates a symbolic and sincere expression of solidarity by numerous Cork citizens towards a population on the brink of genocide, documenting the necessity for everyone to be alert to the hardships Palestinians face.
The awarding of the Spirit of Mother Jones Award to the Palestinians, further solidifies their support, as revealed by the number of people participating in marches through the city of Cork and all over Ireland since October 2023.
Palestine’s ambassador to Ireland, Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid, expressed her appreciation to the Cork Mother Jones Committee for choosing to celebrate the Palestinian people with the Spirit of Mother Jones Award. She said, during these testing times, with Palestinians undergoing extreme hardship and disaster, it’s encouraging to see nations like Ireland offering support and solidarity. She added that this demonstrates the existence of countries advocating for basic human rights, though, unfortunately, this isn’t always the case worldwide.
Mary Harris, like countless other Palestinian mothers who have experienced the unthinkable pain of losing a child, has shown tremendous courage. Despite unimaginable grief and despair, she was able to strive for a better existence. Her dedication to combating unfairness is a testament to her character, qualities that are mirrored in this prestigious award, which it is a privilege for us to receive.
This accolade, previously awarded to international honourees including British union representatives Mick Lynch and Dave Hopper; Margaret Aspinall and Sue Roberts, longstanding campaigners for the Hillsborough tragedy; as well as Gareth Pierce, a lawyer in human rights.
Past recipients also include individuals from Ireland like Fr Peter McVerry, a champion for the homeless; Louise O’Keeffe, a children’s rights lobbyist; Mary Manning, an anti-apartheid protester; Antoinette Keegan, rallying for the Stardust campaign; and, finally, Cork’s education activist Don O’Leary.