Limerick artists sign open letter to President Joe Biden
A NUMBER of Limerick artists have signed an open letter to the Joe Biden, President of the United States of America for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Composer Bill Whelan signed the letter as well as popular Limerick band Hermitage Green.
Limerick producer Martin Atkinson is also among 100 other artists who have signed the letter from across the country.
The letter was initiated by Sadaka - The Ireland Palestine Alliance and sent on behalf of the artists by Sadaka coordinator Fiona Fitzgerald who grew up in Rhebogue.
In the letter the group wrote: “As musicians, song-writers, artists and writers we find ourselves at a loss in how to address the immediate and urgent needs of the people of Gaza.
“We write to you as the president of the United States of America, the world’s most powerful nation and with the influence and authority to bring about an end to this tragic situation.
“Gaza City has been destroyed, leaving hundreds of thousands of people homeless and with no hope of being rehoused.
“Despite appeals from virtually all quarters, including the United States, essential humanitarian aid trickles into Gaza, just a fraction of what is required to assist the 1.8 million displaced people.”
The artists concluded the letter with lines from The Cure at Troy by Irish poet Seamus Heaney.