Palestine solidarity vigil in Omagh

THE Palestine Solidarity Campaign in Omagh held a vigil on Saturday at Drumragh Bridge with over 70 volunteers holding the International Quilt of Resistance. Each square of the quilt commemorates 10 children killed in Gaza.

Spokesperson Mary Gormley said the quilt is now out of date. “That is because more children are being murdered in Gaza every day,” Ms Gormley said. “There is no ceasefire for the children in Gaza, just as there is no ceasefire for any of the unfortunate people there.

“We have brought this blanket to Omagh to remind people the slaughter is going. The ceasefire is one of the sickest jokes ever played on the world. Israel, America and the Western powers are complete hypocrites. The truth is there is no such thing as International Law. That law does not apply to any of the great powers. Nor does it apply to those powers like Israel who do their bidding.

“People power is the only way to stop the slaughter. That is having an effect. It must be stepped up.

“The quilt accuses Israel and the Western Powers. With each square representing ten murdered children, the quilt makers have run out of space. So many children are now dead moving the quilt would be impossible.

Ms Gormley said Palestine Solidarity also took part in a protest at the Tyrone-Kildare Gaelic football match in Healy Park on Saturday evening. Over 50 protestors carried the quilt onto the pitch at half time. Omagh St Enda's Club facilitated the protest.

“We were calling on the GAA to end its relationship with German insurance company Allianz. This sponsors the National Leagues and the All Ireland Senior Championship.

“Allianz underwrites Israel's main arms supplier. The GAA makes great claims about being a community based and family based organisation. Communities and families in Gaza are just as important as communities and families in Tyrone. The GAA must put its money where its mouth is and pull out of all relationships with Allianz. Nothing else will do.

“This is a question of right and wrong. And right and wrong are much more important than money.”

The makers of the quilt are planning to show it in all 32 counties, right across Ireland.

Palestine Solidarity will be holding another protest this coming Friday, January 30, at Omagh Courthouse.