Hundreds from Muslim community and supporters march in Bristol for Gaza

Hundreds from the Muslim Community, joined by trade-unionist, other faith groups, and anti-was campaigners, to march through Bristol today.

The demonstration started after Friday prayers from the Easton area of Bristol and marched into the town centre. A rally was held on College Green in front of the Bristol Council House.

The demonstration was lively and colourful. Many carried Palestine flags, banners and Free Palestine placards. There was constant chanting, especially from the women’s part of the march.

The march, on a par with the demonstration last Saturday, was organised, at short notice, by the Mosques of Bristol

Organisers extended a specific welcome to trade unions, other faith groups, political parties, antiwar & Palestine campaign groups.

On the march were banners from CWU, NUT, and UNISON trade unions, as well as the local Palestine Solidarity Campaign group, Bristol Stop-The-War-Coalition, and the RESPECT party.

Speakers at the rally included
Kerry McCarthy, MP for Bristol East,
Cllr Peter Hammons, Deputy Leader of the Labour group on Bristol City Council
Dave Chapple, CWU trade union.
And many others.

A message of support from the Bishop of Bristol was read out at the rally to applause from the crowd.

Imam Assad Ali Shah, Imam of St Marks Road Mosque, said “Muslims of Bristol condemn all forms of terrorism be it by individuals or States. We condemn the imprisonment, starvation, and mass slaughter of innocent children, men and women of Gaza in Palestine. We are very saddened by the deafening silence of influential states in this regard. Bristolians are requested to join hands of unity in a peaceful march to request leaders of our nations to intervene to stop the cruelty to the Palestinians immediately"

Jo Benefield of Bristol Stop-The-War-Coalition says “It’s been a privilege to be part of this demonstration today; it has united the Muslim community with other faith groups, campaigners, & trade unions in a magnificent display of unity in solidarity with the people of Gaza.”

Ed Hill, local film-maker “Many people from this area have visited Palestine. They have seen with their own eyes the injustice happening there. This gives us a unique bond with the Muslim community here in Bristol. At this time of crisis we trust each other and know how to work together.”

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