March
The 30th of March marked Land Day in Palestine, to commemorate the unarmed, peaceful Palestinian protestors who were killed by the occupation forces as they stood against the illegal seizure of land in Galilee, 1976. There has of course been continued seizure of land, and settlements illegal under international law built since the 70s, at the present moment when all eyes are on the Gaza genocide, further construction of illegal units are being approved in the occupied West Bank. Land Day is as much about remembering the past, as it is fighting for the future. I’ve witnessed plenty of speeches over the past 6 months, but still had tears in my eyes listening to the Palestinian born, Glasgow based medical worker speaking of the connection she felt to the highlands when learning about the clearances during a visit. She spoke of when Palestinians secure their right to return, those who stood in solidarity will share a meal together in a Free Palestine. I believe her, and I look forward to that day. George Square saw a day filled with celebrating Palestinian culture in the form of poetry, traditional Dabke dance, crafts, delicious food and produce, education, and solidarity across borders in our messages to Gaza.