Laois involved in nationwide protest and vigil for Palestine

A candlelight vigil will be held in solidarity with Palestine will take place in Fitzmaurice Place, Portlaoise, on Saturday September 21 at 7pm. 

It is part of a nationwide protest called "Walk the Petition," which is designed to raise awareness of the Enactment of the Occupied Territories Bill.

The petition is being walked and passed county to county from South Kerry, until it eventually reaches Leinster House in Dublin. Laois Palestine Solidarity Group have teamed up with South Kerry Friends of Palestine to see the bill walked through county Laois. 

"The aim of this walk is to raise awareness of the Occupied Territories Bill," said IPSC Laois secretary Aoife Melia.

"Its a small enough group because we're new enough, we're trying to raise awareness and show support, to put pressure on our government to not be complicit," she said.

This proposed legislation seeks to prohibit the importation of goods and services produced in illegal settlements in occupied territories worldwide, a cause that resonates strongly with advocates for Palestinian rights.

Over 50 volunteers in Laois have confirmed their participation in the 5-7km stretch of the walk, specifically during the Laois leg of the journey. The event will take place over two days, with walking groups and sports clubs encouraged to take part. 

Pictured: A Palestinian protest held by Laois Palestine Solidarity Group in 2021, courtesy of their Facebook page. 

On Saturday September 21, the walk will cover the distance from Roscrea to Portlaoise.

On Sunday September 22, the route continues from Portlaoise to Newbridge.

The group have said that they are seeing "huge momentum on social media".

"South Kerry Friends of Palestine started this campaign, they're beginning the walk to hand over the petition to Dáil Éireann," Ms Melia said.

"They contacted us and we got involved. Once we walk the petition through Laois, we will pass it on to the Kildare Palestine Solidarity Campaign."

The campaign will hold a vigil every night in each county, with a vigil planned for Laois on Saturday September 21 at 7pm at Fitzmaurice Place, Portlaoise.

"We'd love to see sports clubs and walking clubs getting involved, showing that this is a nationwide campaign, not just a Dublin one," Ms Melia said.

The group invites people to come along and sign on to join the walk, with the aim of also potentially securing musicians to attend the vigil too.

"We'd hope that people would visibly show support for Palestine," said Ms Melia.

Pictured: A recent protest in solidarity with the people of Palestine, that took place in Portlaoise. Source-IPSC Laois.

"The more pressure that we put on our government, the more they are forced to act," she finished.

The enactment of the Occupied Territories Bill would set a significant precedent, aligning Ireland’s trade practices with its commitment to human rights and international law.

The Laois Palestine Solidarity Campaign group regularly hold vigils and events to raise awareness to the conflict in Gaza, including their recent kite flying event.

For more information on the walk, visit the Laois Palestine Solidarity Campaign's Instagram page.