Walk for Palestine To Be Held On June 21st
People are being called to “join this growing consensus regarding the existential crisis facing the people of Gaza,” with a Walk for Palestine set to be held on Saturday, June 21st at 5pm.
A joint statement from the groups said, “Bermuda’s history is rooted in injustice and resistance. From the cruelty of slavery, our ancestors rose with dignity and defiance, affirming their humanity and fueling movements for Emancipation. Mary Prince’s voice strengthened a global Abolition campaign, and the 1835 liberation of enslaved people from the American ship, the Enterprise, marked Bermuda as a place where justice could prevail through solidarity and moral clarity.
“This legacy of collective action continued into the 20th century, when Bermudians stood with South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement and advanced models of peaceful collaboration in times of social unrest, which reflects Bob Marley’s words, “…until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all ….” We have repeatedly affirmed a simple truth: every life is precious.
“We, the undersigned individuals and organizations, have stood in that tradition. Through marches, vigils, public education, and advocacy, we have consistently called for an end to the genocide unfolding in Gaza.
“For the past 19 months, the Israeli regime—with the full backing of the U.S. government— has carried out a brutal and unprecedented assault on the Palestinian people. The scale of suffering and destruction, streamed in real time, defies all norms of human decency and international law. Local advocacy groups, such as the Peace Collective, Social Justice Bermuda, the Muslim Community of Bermuda, Progressive Minds, and Bermuda Is Love, have all played an active role in calling for a ceasefire.
“Despite the complicity of many governments, global grassroots movements have risen in protest. We join them and believe this pressure helped to drive a symbolic political shift. We acknowledge the May 19th joint statement from the governments of the UK, France, Netherlands, and Canada, warning of sanctions should the following not occur:
- “A full end to the blockade of food, water, and medicine into Gaza;
- “An immediate ceasefire and release of prisoners;
- “UN oversight of humanitarian aid; and
- “Long-term negotiations toward justice and peace.
“We support these demands and will continue to raise awareness, organize, and call for accountability. Many governments, including Bermuda and the UK, have yet to meet their legal obligations under international law, particularly those outlined in the Genocide Convention and the Apartheid Convention. Governments are required to not only refrain from committing genocide but also prevent and punish it. This duty is immediate and binding. We call on the Government and people of Bermuda to speak out and act in the spirit of our history and invite them to join this growing consensus regarding the existential crisis facing the people of Gaza, thus acting from the best of our shared legacy.
“This is not a moment for silence. It is a moment for courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to life, human dignity and justice for all.
“We invite you to join us on a Walk for Palestine on Saturday, June 21st at 5pm, when we will be gathering outside the Cabinet Office, before walking to City Hall for a community gathering in support of international solidarity with Palestine.
“Signed, Imagine Bermuda, Human Rights Commission, Peace Collective, Social Justice Bermuda, Bermuda Islamic Cultural Centre, Progressive Minds, Bermuda is Love, Bermuda Wellness Space and Bermuda Youth Connect”
