Huge crowd takes part in pro-Palestine march

ALMOST 1,000 people gathered in Carlow town centre last Saturday for a pro-Palestine solidarity march, making it one of the largest demonstrations the town has seen in recent years.

The march, which began at the Liberty Tree in Potato Market, brought together members from solidarity groups across the region, including Carlow IPSC, Kildare IPSC, Laois IPSC, Mothers Against Genocide, and Farmers against Genocide.

The central demand of the protesters was for the Irish government to pass the stalled Occupied Territories Bill and comply with international law, specifically the International Court of Justice ruling on the situation in Gaza, said Carlow IPSC chairperson Ned Byrne.

“We just need the government to comply with international law. We’re not asking much. We’re actually asking the government to do what they should be doing. And we actually shouldn’t need to march in the streets of Carlow for our government to do these things,” he explained.

The march received a positive reception from onlookers around the town, with many people photographing the procession as it made its way through the streets.

“Everything went off very well. We had a good reaction from people around Carlow town as well; there were lots of people out taking photographs,” Mr Byrne said of Saturday’s turnout.

“Our intention was trying to make everyone aware of the situation in Gaza. And hopefully they can maybe reflect on our march and maybe if they want to get involved or find out more about how they can have a positive impact going forward in relation to that,” he added.

Mr Byrne expressed disappointment with some local politicians, suggesting they “followed the party whip rather than their own conscience” on the Palestine issue. However, he emphasised the growing strength of the solidarity movement.

“Irish politicians have to take note that we’re growing, we’re getting stronger, more organised,” he said.

The march highlighted the ongoing commitment of local activists, who have maintained a weekly vigil at the Liberty Tree every Tuesday from 6.30pm to 9pm for nearly two years – described by Mr Byrne as the longest-running vigil in Carlow’s history.

“The vigil will be going on for nearly two years in October. And that’s going on throughout Ireland. So we will continue our vigil – we’re steadfast and we’ll not in any way, shape or form back down,” he stated.

The weekly gatherings provide a space for information sharing, with Palestinian residents of Carlow sometimes sharing testimonials about family members in Gaza during phone calls – information that may not be covered in mainstream media, according to Mr Byrne.

Reflecting on the historical significance of the movement, Mr Byrne stressed that both action and inaction would be remembered.

“What we are doing will be remembered. It’ll be remembered for all time. Our vigil is the longest-running vigil in Carlow, and that will be remembered for all time. But what will be remembered also is the people who did nothing,” he said.

He framed the cause as fundamental to human values, stating his belief that “humanity will die with Gaza if something isn’t done”.