A group of 20 Beeston and Holbeck residents, activists and trades unionists met at Cross Flatts Park on Saturday (20 January 2024) and walked together into central Leeds to join the Leeds March for Palestine organised by Leeds Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
Carrying a ‘Beeston for Palestine’ banner and ‘Freedom for Palestine’ placards, a number of passing vehicles tooted their support as the group walked through Beeston, into Holbeck and to the start of the main demonstration in Millennium Square, where they received a warm welcome.
A local National Education Union member on the feeder walk told us:
“It’s essential that communities come together to show their solidarity with the Palestinians. I am horrified that our political leaders are not calling for a ceasefire considering the horrors we’re seeing unfolding in Gaza. Nationally my trade union is encouraging people to donate to Medical Aid for Palestinians as well as attending the demonstrations. There is a national day of action on 7 February and we should all try to do something in our workplaces or communities.”
Omar Mushtaq from the Green Party told us:
“It was a privilege to walk from Beeston … pray for peace and a ceasefire now and let’s all get together and try to work for humanity.”
The later Leeds March for Palestine saw several thousand demonstrating through the city centre calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
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“pray for peace and a ceasefire now ”
Did any of them pray for Hamas to release the Israeli hostages?
Israeli have had kids as hostages for years and years without trial or anything for throwing stones at the tanks and soldier who are taking away there homes and land. Israel ain’t bothered about their hostages they kill 3 last week and said they thought they were hamas! Hamas was made and funded by Israel to fight against yassir ararat party. Give back the stolen land would be a first and Palestine has to be recognised as its own state.