PICTURES: Laois Palestine supporters picket Portlaoise McDonalds

Laois people took action in support of Palestine by protesting outside McDonald's Portlaoise last weekend.

Members of the Laois branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign gave out leaflets to the public explaining their reason for asking them not to support the fast food restaurant.

The boycott protest took place on Sunday, September 28 in the Kyle shopping centre carpark.

The group which included young families, held up homemade flags and posters, urging support of the citizens of Gaza and Palestine, who are going through a genocide and forced famine by Israel.

They say that the McDonald's franchisee supports Israeli soldiers occupying Palestine, by giving them free meals.

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They say that the response from passers-by to their information leaflets was encouraging, with many expressing support and engaging in conversations about the urgency of the boycott campaign.

A spokesperson for Laois IPSC spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

“This is not just about McDonald’s. It’s about refusing to be complicit in the daily atrocities against Palestinians. Boycotting is something everyone can do – it’s small but significant, and it sends a strong message of solidarity,” they said.

The demonstration was part of the global BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement, which targets corporations complicit in or profiting from Israel’s ongoing oppression of Palestinians.

The protesters in Portlaoise say that boycotting the fast-food chain is a "simple but powerful action people can take to withdraw financial support from Israel" – a state currently carrying out a genocide in Gaza.

Laois IPSC also wish for people to turn their attention to the Global Sumad Flotilla which has been intercepted by Israeli forces who illegally boarded the humanitarian vessels in international waters, detaining Irish activists and other multinational civilians on board. The flotilla was unarmed and carrying aid. The Israeli action is a violation of international law.

They ask people who may not feel comfortable joining street protests but who wish to stand for Palestinian freedom to take meaningful action in other ways.

They ask the public to "use your vote in the upcoming Presidential election to support the candidate who will not remain silent in the face of genocide and apartheid."

“Every day that passes without decisive action is another day of suffering for the people of Gaza,” the IPSC Laois spokesperson added.

“Ireland has a proud tradition of standing on the right side of history – now is the time for our government, our politicians, and
our people to live up to that legacy.”

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They also ask Laois people to contact councillors and TDs and demand that Ireland takes definitive, principled action against Israel’s ongoing crimes, including the release of Irish citizens currently detained by Israel.

McDonald's Ireland and UK has been asked to comment.