To begin a peaceful walk in support of a Gaza ceasefire, members of various churches and diverse communities, gathered on Saturday, March 2nd, in Port Elgin (Saugeen Shores) at Cameron Park. It was the 148th anniversary day of the war in Gaza.
The group of adults, and children of all ages, listened to personal accounts from those who experienced first-hand life in Gaza and how their relatives still remain there living in “desperation”.
A recent refugee, ‘Palestine’ (pal es teen), arrived eight months ago in Canada, and explained some of the conflict in Gaza. “This is not recent, it began in 1948 when Israel moved us (Palestinians) to the Gaza strip. I have lost many relatives, cousins and their children. I hope however that one day we can return to our homes and our land.”
She added that she can’t understand “…how the world has done nothing to save the women and children.
Reverend Jeffrey Dale of Port Elgin United Church led the gathering in prayer before the walk began. “This is an opportunity for people to come together and demonstrate their bonding with each other and express their hopes for peace.”
The participants then made the trek, walking with signs from the park along Goderich Street to the office of Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb where they held a candle vigil.
Although MP Ben Lobb was unable to be in attendance, his Constituency Manager, Pat O’Connor received the participants. “Although Mr. Lobb is unable to attend today,” said O’Connor, “he is aware of the situation and I will be bringing your concerns to him.”
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Several members of the Islamic community had met with MP Lobb earlier (Feb.) and are hoping to meet with him again in the near future, when they will present a petition to him asking that the government fully support a ceasefire in Gaza.
The organization is also planning several fundraisers to bring a mother, who is a Doctor and Cancer specialist, along with her children, to Saugeen Shores. Among the events planned are a fundraising vendors’ market that will be held on March 23rd in the community hall at Faith Lutheran Church Port Elgin (Ivings Drive) from 11AM to 3PM, along with other future events.