County Roscommon group to walk 165km along Famine Way for Palestine
Chris O'Dowd and Dawn O'Porter joined the Boyle Palestine Solidarity Group's weekly demonstration in Boyle last year. Pic: Brian Farrell
A group of walkers from the Boyle Palestine Solidarity Group will set off this Saturday, August 2nd at 10 a.m. from Strokestown Park House to begin an eight-day, 165km walk along the National Famine Way in solidarity with the people of Palestine.
The launch will be performed by Jim Callery, founder of the National Famine Museum, while Sabina Higgins will walk the first steps with the group. Sherin Alsabbagh, a Palestinian speaker, will reflect on the meaning of the walk, and celebrated Roscommon singer Cathy Jordan will sing in support.
Inspired by the 1847 famine walk of the Strokestown tenants, this group will retrace that historical path to Dublin Docklands, where they will be welcomed on August 9th by the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland, at the poignant site of the Famine Statues - a stark reminder of the ongoing famine in Gaza.
Along the way, walkers will be joined by members of the public from all walks of life, walking a mile, a day, or simply cheering from the canal banks. At each of the 32 bronze shoe sculptures that mark the trail, the group will lay a stone painted by children from Boyle, each one carrying a picture or message for the children of Palestine.
“We walk this same path now because we recognise the suffering of others. What happened to our ancestors is happening to Palestinians today — forced displacement, starvation, and grief,” said a group spokesperson.
“This is a walk of remembrance, resistance and humanity. Our walk is an act of solidarity with Palestinians enduring horrific conditions in Gaza and beyond. We invite everyone along the route to join us. Walk a day, a mile, or simply come out and show support with your presence.
“We are also encouraging donations to the TEA Initiative, which provides humanitarian aid on the ground in Palestine.
“We welcome your solidarity in person, online, and through donations,” said the spokesperson.
Donations can be made to Chuffed.org- National Famine Way for Palestine. These donations for humanitarian aid will be distributed through the TEA Collective, the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund, The Sameer Project and Médicines San Frontieres
