PICTURES: Laois protest for Palestine at Portlaoise church

Laois people held a protest and vigil in support of Palestine at Portlaoise church last weekend. More below photos, taken by David Simpson. 

On Friday, October 10th, the Laois branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) organised a solemn vigil for Palestine outside St. Peter and Paul’s Church. The local residents gathered in reflection, grief, and determination to continue standing with the people of Palestine.

The vigil took place in the wake of the recently declared ceasefire in Gaza. The organisers and attendees noted that Palestine remains under Israeli occupation, and aid is still not flowing freely to those in desperate need.

They say that the urgent medical crisis persists, and "massive structural rebuilding will be required to restore even the most basic living conditions for Gazans".

The group note too that "tragically, even amid the ceasefire, violence continues". 

On Sunday, journalist Saleh Aljafarawi was kidnapped and murdered in Gaza City, underscoring the continuing peril faced by civilians, journalists, and aid workers alike. 

Organisers emphasise that peace is not merely the absence of war, but the presence of justice, dignity, and freedom.

“Our work is not yet done,” a spokesperson for Laois IPSC said. “As long as Palestinians live under occupation and injustice, our voices and actions of solidarity must continue.”

Laois IPSC and supporters across the Midlands are urging people to join the upcoming Midlands March for Palestine, which will take place in Newbridge on Saturday, October 18th. 

Participants will assemble in Linear Park at 12.30pm for a silent march, and all are invited to wear black in solidarity. The theme of the march is “An tOcras Mór” (The Great Hunger) — a reminder of the deep historical and human resonance of hunger, displacement, and resistance.