Palestine: What Can Derry Do?

The Bloody Sunday Trust is hosting a workshop titled: 'Palestine: What Can Derry Do?' as part of its 2024 programme of commemorative events.

The workshop will take place in Derry's Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin on Saturday 27th January, 1.00pm to 4.00pm.

It will be chaired by Tony Doherty, chairperson of the Trust.

Bloody Sunday Trust: Programme of Events

Bloody Sunday Commemoration 2024

Mr Doherty said: "As thousands march through the streets of Derry and millions march worldwide in solidarity with the Palestinian people, The Bloody Sunday Trust is hosting 'Palestine: What Can Derry Do?'

"This discussion has been organised in response to the sense of frustration, hopelessness and despair many of us feel as we watch the Israeli genocide on Gaza.

"As we march in solidarity with Gaza, and follow the lead of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement I, and I am sure many other Derry people, are asking, ‘What else can we do? What can Derry do to help Palestine and the Palestinian people?’ 

“This event will help us answer that question and encourage us to develop practical and impactful actions that we can all do to show our support for Palestine," said Tony Doherty.

The event will consist of a panel discussion, workshops and question and answer sessions.

Guest speakers include: Omar Barghouti, Palestinian human rights activist, winner of the 2017 Ghandi Peace Award and co-founder of the global Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions ( BDS) Campaign.

Sue Pentel, a founder member of Jews for Palestine – Ireland and a longterm member of the Irish Palestinian Solidarity Group, Belfast.

Ms Pental described Jews for Palestine – Ireland as "a diverse groups of Jewish people in Ireland who support the Palestinian struggle for human rights and justice, a struggle that resonates with the Irish journey towards peace."

She added: "We share a commitment to human rights and justice for all. Jews for Palestine oppose the cynical deployment of the anti-Semitic label, and the history of the oppression of the Jewish people, to silence those who legitimately criticise Israel.

"Part of the long historical Jewish tradition of fighting oppression and standing up for peace and justice for all, advocating for an end to Israeli impunity and support for the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions Movement as called for by Palestinian civil society.

"The State of Israel does not represent the Jewish people. We have an obligation to speak out when Israel claims its actions against the Palestinian people are taken on behalf of the Jewish people. Not in our name!”

Catherine Hutton, a member of the Derry Branch of Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which was formed in 2016.

Ms Hutton said: "Since then we have campaigned for the civil and human rights of Palestinians, an end to  Israeli apartheid and the right of return of refugees to Palestine.

"The group has been the driving force behind the impressive displays of solidarity with Palestine that Derry has witnessed since the beginning of the Gaza Genocide.”

Éamonn Meehan, Chair of Sadaka – the Ireland Palestine Alliance and a former CEO of Trócaire. 

mr Meehan said: "Sadaka was established in 2009 and works to promote policies and actions, particularly by the Irish government, to achieve justice and human rights for the Palestinian people.

"Sadaka drafted and, with others, promoted the Occupied Territories Bill within Seanad Éireann and Dáil Éireann. Sadaka is a founding member of the Irish Anti-apartheid Campaign for Palestine."