Residents of the peaceful village of Llansadwrn, Carmarthenshire will take on a collective 98km walk around the village. The Stride for Gaza action will take place on 19 October in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
The walk is in aid of Medical Aid for Palestine (MAP). The 98km represents the displacement journey made by one of MAP’s Palestinian aids in Gaza. Approximately twice the length of the Gaza Strip. The community hopes its action will inspire others to do the same.
Llansadwrn resident and event organiser Sioned Haf said,
“We are so lucky to be living in this peaceful village. It is a constant feeling of guilt that others, such as the communities of Gaza, on the other hand have none of the peace that we take for granted. That’s why we, as a community of local, rural people, will Stride for Gaza. We want to show we’re standing with Palestinians as they continue to endure unimaginable loss, forced displacement, and the lack of food, water and healthcare as a result of Israel’s genocide.
This is an opportunity to show collective defiance and solidarity in our community by walking together round our village. The village loop is about 5 miles so there will be a big bunch of us doing it so we can cover the distance.”
Another resident, Antonio Rizzo said,
“It is easy to feel powerless and exasperated that money from my taxes is included in this outrage. This is especially frustrating living in a rural area where it is difficult to join larger protests in cities to show our opposition to the situation in Gaza, and the complicity of our governments. This is our own little protest to help support a community bombarded with violence, dehumanisation, lack of access to pain relief and food. It is just so awful but this at least is something we can do here, and now.”
Local mother Lyndsey Maiden is also taking part. She said,
“My son is appalled and distressed at the tragedy unfolding in Gaza and he wanted to do something. Now he feels so empowered about being able to help even in such a seemingly small way. But we’re part of a global support network now. I’d encourage other parents and communities to do the same.”
Readers interested in contributing to Llansadwrn’s fundraising campaign can do so here https://medicalaidforpalestinians.enthuse.com/pf/llansadwrn-dros-palesteina. Another fundraising event in aid of the Sumud School, Goleuni dros Gaza will be held on 25 October in the neighbouring village of Llanwrda.
| [donate]
| Help keep news FREE for our readersSupporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism,then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. |