Indymedia York

A coach-load of York-based supporters of the cause of justice for Palestine went to Sheffield for the first North of England rally. We were moved to tears by some of the speeches, e.g. from Clare Short, inspired by others, e.g. from Betty Hunter, Chair of PSC, and energised by others, e.g. Ismael Patel, Friends of Al Aqsa. We saw a unique exhibition of photos* by Palestinian students documenting their own lives under the illegal military occupation, and the lives of their younger brothers and sisters struggling against obstacles all too obviously concrete, e.g. the illegal apartheid wall running 700 kms on the West Bank, to get an education; also to resist the occupation by non-violent means. There was also a march and a samba band and a troupe from Nottingham doing Palestinian dabke dancing. We joined a crowd of about 500.

(*Coming to York from 15th May, see events section)

This Sheffield event is the fore-runner of a series, going on till Palestine is free: next year in Manchester.