Buncrana musician to release song to ‘keep Gaza in people’s minds’

Buncrana singer and songwriter Bernie Doherty has written a song in response to the deep concern in Inishowen over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

None of Us Are Free will be released at the Songs of Solidarity concert taking place in the Plaza, Buncrana, on Friday, June 14, which will include performances by local artists.

Bernie, a music teacher and mental health and well-being advocate said she wrote the song after being deeply affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to show her support for the people of Palestine.
“It is written in the tradition of a simple folk song calling for peace,” she said. “Indeed, my aim in also recording it has been to amplify a message of peace and keep the deteriorating situation in Gaza in people’s minds."

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Collaborating with renowned classical guitarist and music producer, Sean Woods, Bernie hopes the song will resonate with audiences worldwide.

Bernie said the lyrics of None of Us Are Free “poignantly capture the collective yearning for an end to war and the restoration of hope” and evokes “a sense of unity and determination, calling on individuals to stand together in solidarity”.

Working in conjunction with musician and activist John Cutliffe and the Inishowen Palestine Solidarity Group, Bernie said she aims to raise awareness and to spark meaningful dialogue within the local community. John has a long history of campaigning for justice in the region, having lived there and raised funds for embattled hospitals and residents in 2014, when Gaza was under siege.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to encourage as many people as possible to join us at the Songs for Solidarity concert, which supports a call for peace in Palestine and those in need. We’ll be officially launching the song on the night – and the proceeds of the concert will go towards funding a food drop to Gaza. I hope that through our music and shared humanity, we will send a very powerful message of both peace and solidarity, which will also resonate more widely: that none of us can be truly free until all are free.”