In pictures: Night of music and film in Carndonagh raises funds for Gaza

A group of approximately 140 people have come together in Carndonagh for a night of music and film to raise funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians.

The event in Colgan Hall, which was organised by musical group The Henry Girls and the Disappear Here Film Club, featured a film screening of the Palestinian documentary Freedom to Run as well as live music. 

The Disappear Here Film Club is presented by ChangeMakers Donegal at Inishowen Development Partnership, the Disappear Here Film Festival and Concern Worldwide. 

This event showcased the local community's concern about the ongoing situation in Palestine and €1,400 was raised for Medical Aid for Palestinians. 

Following the film screening, there was a post-show discussion facilitated by Michael McLaughlin, producer of the Disappear Here Film Festival, and a lively music session by The Henry Girls at McClure's Bar in Carndonagh, where Palestinian food was circulated amongst the crowd, while a Palestinian flag hung above the musician's heads.

Majida Al-Askari, a Palestinian woman living in Inishowen, who has lost family members in recent times in Palestine, said: “I cannot imagine how the people are surviving there.” 

Describing the Gaza she used to live in, she said the destruction of the university, the school for art and music, the market, and the hospital is part of Israel’s plan which goes against international law.

Miriam Killeney of the Inishowen Palestine Solidarity Group encouraged people to support the Boycott, Divest, and Sanction Campaign to boycott goods from Israel. 

“Everyday goods such as Lupilu baby wipes in Lidl are made in a factory on occupied territory,” according to Miriam.

 “There’s a whole economic side to this. The only thing we have is soft power because we can’t rely on the international community. It’s back to the people on the ground, it does make a difference.” She also encouraged Inishowen people to talk to election candidates about supporting the enactment of the Occupied Territories Bill when they call to the doorstep. The Bill would ban trade between Ireland and Israel’s illegal settlements in the West Bank. 

Finally, she urged people to join the Inishowen Palestine Solidarity Group to help keep up the momentum. 

During the discussion, Michael, who was chairing the discussion gave the stark comparison for people to imagine the population of Inishowen being killed, while in the past six months, an estimated 35,000 people have died in Palestine. 

There are already plans within the Inishowen Palestine Solidarity Group for future initiatives aimed at supporting Medical Aid for Palestinians. ChangeMakers Donegal will also be continuing its discussions and providing space for community conversations on how to take action on global social justice issues, including Palestine in the coming months, they have their annual seminar on Friday, May 17 and it’s open to everyone. To find out more www.changemakers.ie.

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