Vigil for Gaza victims held at Market Square

Regan Kelly

On what was a warm Thursday evening (July 24), solidarity group Mullingar For All held a vigil and gathering at the Market Square to raise awareness about the war in Gaza.

The square was full of colour as Westmeath residents waved Palestinian Flags, took part in chanting, made speeches, and lit candles for those suffering in Gaza.

The event had a sombre atmosphere, as many local people gave their thoughts about the war and offered prayers for all of those affected.

Historian, Ruth Illingworth, made a speech at the event, saying: “What we are witnessing now are war crimes on a massive scale.

“These are things that we promised ourselves would never happen again, but they have happened again, and they will continue to happen if we as a world and as a community do not take action.”

Mullingar For All representative Tahira spoke to the Westmeath Examiner: “We just feel like our voices are not being heard and we are back here again because our TDs are not listening to what we as their people want.

“I think that they need to hear our voices and take the action that we want, not what their money tells them to do.”

Ashling O’Rourke, a second representative from Mullingar For All, concluded: “We are here today to raise visibility for the starving children, men and women of Gaza, enough is enough.”