Justice for Palestine event

Priory Road resident Gill Knight had an eventful three months recently when she swapped Hastings’ West Hill for the West Bank in Palestine.

Gill stayed in the village of Deir Istiya with members of the International Women’s Peace Service, a group which works in solidarity with Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. She saw for herself just how brutal that occupation can be when she took part in a demonstration against house demolitions. Israel routinely destroys the homes of Palestinians when these dwellings have been built without building permits, which Israel generally doesn’t grant. During the demolition tear gas was used to clear a house and people later had to be treated for asphyxiation. Gill and other people tried to stop the destruction of a building by standing on its roof.

Speaking of the visit Gill says: ‘I visited many refugee camps in Palestine and witnessed the hardship caused by the Israeli occupation. The fortitude of the Palestinians who have been displaced in their own country is remarkable. The ongoing suffering of the families and children is continually ignored by the EU and Western governments who could stop this humanitarian disaster.’

With the visit fresh in her mind Gill will be giving a talk on the Friday 22 February at the White Rock Hotel, Hastings seafront. There will also be slides from the visit and a short film screening. Olive oil, glass and handicrafts from Palestine will be available for sale. In addition to this there will be an exhibition of children’s art from Gaza.

The event will begin at 7.30pm on Friday 22 February
For more information, contact: 07512 009281

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