Peace Coalition To Hold Gaza Ceasefire Walk
In solidarity with Gaza, 25 Bermuda residents are backing a UN ceasefire call and inviting the public to a walk and gathering tomorrow [June 21].
A spokesperson said, “Given the deteriorating conditions for the people of Gaza, who are facing unprecedented inhumanity, some 25 Bermuda residents are supporting a joint statement. This document reaffirms the UN General Assembly Resolution of June 12, which was adopted – overwhelmingly – by 149 countries [representing over six billion people] calling for an immediate/lasting ceasefire.
“In the spirit of this sense of solidarity, the island community is invited to attend a walk – beginning from the Cabinet Grounds – and gathering from 5.00pm on Saturday, June 21. The walk starts at 5.30pm, proceeding west on Front Street and up to the grounds of City Hall by 6.00pm for a gathering.”
Glenn Fubler said, “This initiative goes far beyond politics and is focused on the question of our collective essential humanity.”
Local Imam Saleem Talbot said, “The matter of conditions in Gaza has local implication. How is the livestreamed violent attacks on non-combatants impacting us, especially our young people? Notably those caught in the local cycle of violence.”
The spokesperson said, “House Speaker Dennis Lister reminded us of Bermuda’s legacy of international solidarity. Some of us recall local support for the global struggle against South African apartheid. The big difference is then there was a gap of time before learning about the cruelty and today the massacres are live-streamed. Our voices from little Bermuda join millions of people of conscience around the globe.
“Maha Turner also linked with the South African legacy. Each of us witnessing the inhumanity displayed can act, leveraging online means to support the boycott for justice and peace in Palestine.
“Nekesha Holdipp said the global implications of the crisis in Gaza offers a learning opportunity for our whole community.
“The gathering at City Hall from 6.00pm to 8.00pm will be family friendly. There will be a children’s corner offering youngsters opportunities to do a variety of activities, including simple art, stories, and more.
“There will also be a mixture of brief speeches and performances in song and spoken word by the likes of Gene Steede, Live Wire, Purple Ferdinand, Hana Bushara, and Gavin Sujata Smith.
Joint statement on situation in Gaza
“We, the undersigned, are Bermuda residents whose life journeys have resulted in our being highly empathetic regarding the lives of children.
“We wish to express our grave concern for the implications of the current total siege in Gaza involving both military attacks on civilians and the obvious weaponization of humanitarian assistance. This resulting live streamed chaos – which the former Israeli Prime Minister Ehid Olmert described on May 29th as ‘a war of extermination’ – is most concerning, especially for its implications for the Gazan children.
“In light of the same, we wish to express our support for the May 19th joint statement made by the UK, Canada, France, Germany, and others, which parallels the June 4th UN Security Council Resolution and the Thursday, June 12th General Assembly Resolution, which was overwhelmingly supported by 149 member countries of the United Nations, all essentially calling for:
- An immediate long-term ceasefire in Gaza.
- An exchange of captives
- The immediate ending of any humanitarian blockade and the UN handling that humanitarian aid
- The beginning of a credible long-term process addressing the fundamental issues
“Ours is a call based on upholding international law and the rights of all, especially the children involved.”
Signed by Glenn Blakeney, Dr Michael Bradshaw, Janet Smith-Bradshaw, Dale Butler, Ronaldine Burgess, Dr Gordon Campbell, Elizabeth Campbel, Sen Joan Dillas Wright, Glenn Fubler, Nekesha Holdipp, Ellen Kate Horton, Dianna Kemp, Dr Janet Kemp, Dennis Lister MP, Jeremy Lodge, Rotimi Martins, Jerome Perinchief, Lisa Reed, Alex Scott, Dr Llewelyn Simmons, Imam Saleem Talbot, Valerie Williams, Leslie Wharton-Madeiros, and Roy Wright.”
Let peace reign
Perhaps they could do a “give back the hostages” walk.
Yep, the Government of Israel and the terrorists in Gaza sure will be paying attention to the dozen or so people going for a walk in Bermuda.
What about Sudan, Ukraine, Yemen, etc. walk for them all.
You’re either with USA’s actions or you’re against their actions. Bermuda will still stay friends with them, stay quiet and take their tourist money!! Because that’s who we are.
Humans