Almost 100 people attended this event. It was organised in conjunction with Trócaire and the funds raised go towards their work with front line medical workers in Gaza. The gathering was initially addressed by the director Michael Dillon. He spoke of the importance of giving public visibility to our solidarity with the suffering of others. He outlined that we were “gathering in peaceful protest against the indiscriminate killing of others, in anger against outright genocide, in rage against the inaction of those who could stop or could have stopped this conflict sooner”. He added that “ we also gather in silent memory of the innocent dead from this conflict and in the knowledge that the traumas of the living, both physical and psychological, will have a detrimental impact on the lives of individuals, families and communities for generations to come”.
Eoin Hamill who has worked as Trócaire’s Programme Manager, covering the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel for the last 9 years, spoke of the work that Trócaire does in the region. He explained where the funding goes and how grateful the Palestinian people are that we think of them at this difficult time. It means a lot to them. He emphasised the importance of raising the issues facing the Palestinians with our public representatives.
The ceremony was supported by beautiful singing from the Credo group and reflections were shared by Sr. Mary Rowsome and Rory Roberts. The ceremony finished with a candle lit procession to the Viewing Point at Ballyvaloo which overlooked the word ‘GAZA’ spelled out with candles on the beach below. It was quite a moving experience as the moon shone brightly over all, a magical moment.
The photographs below tell their own story.
We are grateful to the Sisters of St John of God for saying yes to this event and in particular to our neighbours Kim de Bruin, Rory Roberts and Martine and Jonathan Derham for their initiative and skills in organising vigil.
To date the donations for Trócaire stand at €2,341 and we are very grateful to all for their generosity.
Final Blessing at Gaza Vigil
Two Peoples, One Land – Rabbi Sheila Weinberg
Two peoples, one land,
Three faiths, one root
One earth, one mother,
One sky, one beginning, one future, one destiny.
One broken heart, One God.
We pray to you: Grant us a vision of unity.
May we see the many in the one and the one in the many.
May you, Life of all Worlds, Source of All Amazing Differences help us see clearly.
Guide us gently and firmly towards each other, towards peace.
