Laois people encouraged to join awareness walk for Palestine

The Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) Laois are teaming up with South Kerry Friends of Palestine to hold a walk from Kerry to Dáil Éireann.

The campaign, titled 'Walk the Petition,' is designed to raise awareness of the Enactment of the Occupied Territories Bill.

A stretch of this walk will take place through Laois, and organisers are calling on Laois people to take part.

"The aim of this walk is to raise awareness of the Occupied Territories Bill," said IPSC Laois secretary Aoife Melia.

"Its a small enough group because were new enough, were trying to raise awareness and show support, to put pressure on our government to not be complicit," she said.

This proposed legislation seeks to prohibit the importation of goods and services produced in illegal settlements in occupied territories worldwide, a cause that resonates strongly with advocates for Palestinian rights.

Around 64 volunteers are needed in Laois to participate in the 5-7km stretch of the walk, specifically during the Laois leg of the journey. The event will take place over two days, with walking groups and sports clubs encouraged to take part. 

On Saturday September 21, the walk will cover the distance from Roscrea to Portlaoise.

On Sunday September 22, the route continues from Portlaoise to Newbridge.

South Kerry Friends of Palestine started this campaign, they're beginning the walk to hand over the petition to Dáil Éireann," Ms Melia said.

They contacted us and we got involved. Once we walk the petition through Laois, we will pass it on to the Kildare Palestine Solidarity Campaign."

The campaign will hold a vigil every night in each county, with a vigil planned for Laois on Saturday 21.

"We will be holding a vigil on Saturday night in Laois, the time and place is yet to be decided," Ms Melia explained.

"We'd love to see sports clubs and walking clubs getting involved, showing that this is a nationwide campaign, not just a Dublin one."

The group invites people to come along and sign on to join the walk, with the aim of also potentially securing musicians to attend the vigil too.

"We'd hope that people would visibly show support for Palestine," said Ms Melia.

Pictured: A recent protest in solidarity with the people of Palestine, that took place in Portlaoise. Source-IPSC Laois.

"The more pressure that we put on our government, the more they are forced to act," she finished.

The enactment of the Occupied Territories Bill would set a significant precedent, aligning Ireland’s trade practices with its commitment to human rights and international law.

The Laois Palestine Solidarity Campaign group regularly hold vigils and events to raise awareness to the conflict in Gaza, including their recent kite flying event.

For more information on the walk, visit the Laois Palestine Solidarity Campaign's Instagram page.