HELP US REPRESENT IRELAND IN THE GLOBAL MARCH TO GAZA

Dear friends,

We are two artists who are based in Galway, West of Ireland. For the past year and a half, like so many of you, we have watched the violence escalate in Gaza from our phones. We have tried to do all that has been in our power; organising fundraising events, marching, demonstrating, writing to our representatives, boycotting, supporting individuals coming out of Gaza.. And yet, 18+ months on, the situation has only become more desperate. Little to nothing has been done on an international level to stop the onslaught, and as we speak, trucks carrying life-saving aid are still being held back at the border while systematic starvation, snipering and bombing of Palestinian civilians continues.

We strongly feel it is time to step up the International solidarity movement, to increase the pressure, and to put our bodies on the line by bringing our efforts out of the virtual realm and, in this case, physically to Gaza.

We want to be as close as possible to the Palestinians in Gaza, to all those who feel abandoned by the world. We have both often wondered what it would be like if all the many millions who cared, showed up at the border, and physically stood where their heart is.

It turns out that many around the world have been thinking about the exact same thing: an international civilian coalition of 30+ countries, has recently been forming, calling for a Global March to Gaza. Thousands will depart al-Arish, Egypt, on the 15th of June, and walk for 3 days to the Rafah border. This international delegation of civilians will remain peacefully at the Rafah border for a few days. We will make our presence felt by governments, known to the world media and hopefully our voices heard by the people on the other side of the wall.

It is important to state that this is a civic, apolitical, and independent movement which does not represent any political party, ideology, or religion. It represents the people, in all their diversity and humanity. Its only guiding principles are justice, human dignity, and peace. (For more information: https://marchtogaza.net/)

We know that many of you in Galway and Ireland would love to be there but, because of various life constraints, cannot go. Help us join the Global March to Gaza on your behalf. The higher the number of marchers, the greater the impact, and we want to represent Ireland and add to it with our presence. We will march in your name, in what we believe is an urgent and crucial moment, for all of humanity.

The entire trip has to be funded by the participants themselves. Our costs will include two return flights from Dublin to Cairo, travel insurance, accommodation and subsistence for 2 weeks. We have calculated that it will cost us ca. €2000 each.

If we reach (or surpass) the target amount, and on our return we find we have funds left over, we pledge to donate every remaining cent to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF).

We will be proudly flying the Irish flag, and for all of you who kindly supported us, we will bring you with us in spirit. We promise to update you on our progress with written accounts and photos, here and on social media, as much as our circumstances will allow.

NOTE: These are volatile times, so, if for any reason the march is postponed, we ask you to permit us to use the funds at a later date. We will keep you informed of any such changes.

With heartfelt thanks, and much love.

Saoirse don Phalaistín