Long before recent events in the Middle East, Killarney local Sally MacMonagle was highlighting the hardships of Palestinians living in occupation. She first went to the West Bank in 2019. Having raised funds she was a part of a team that opened a Gym at the Lajee Community Centre in the Aida Refugee camp in Bethlehem, West Bank.

“The Aida Camp is surrounded by the apartheid wall and is known as the most tear gassed place in the world, done so by Israeli occupation” Sally explained.

 She has made the trip back twice in the past five years and has experienced many protests between the young Palestinian boys and the Israeli army.

“I have witnessed first-hand the terror and fear that the Israeli army and government try to instil in Palestine. They make it impossible for the people to have some resemblance of normal life. From land grabs, electricity and water stoppages, gassing playgrounds and creches, to humiliating encounters at checkpoints, the fundamental human rights of Palestinians are ignored at every corner”

 “I speak with my friends in Palestine daily and today a friend told me he was terrified just walking past the soldiers - who have them surrounded and locked down in all the cities in the West Bank. He was terrified they would just shoot for the fun of it and nothing would happen to the solider; no questions would ever be asked- that he was starting to realise that his life was now seen as worthless by the western world”

Sally is a member of the Palestinian solidarity and educational awareness group that is organising an information evening in the Great Southern Hotel next week, dedicated to raising awareness about the Palestinian. She is encouraging all locals to come along.

The in-person event will take place on Wednesday, November 1, 7pm at The Mangerton Suite in The Great Southern Hotel.

The event will give locals an insight into the ongoing situation in Palestine and discuss ways in which we the people of Kerry can support and advocate for the Palestinian people.

Speakers on the night will include Nidal Alazza, human rights defender and director of The Badil Centre, a human rights organization in The West Bank. Fatin Al Tamini, retired chairperson of the ISPC, Nada Musleh, PHD scholar in UL from Gaza. Karen Gueron, anti-apartheid campaigner and 'Dunnes Stores Striker' and Tadgh Hickey comedian & political satirist from Cork with more guests to be announced.

There will also be a photography exhibition from children in The Aida Refugee camp and Sally MacMonagle who is an accomplished photographer herself.

Tickets are 5 Euro and can be purchased on Ticketmaster

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/kerry-friends-of-palestine-information-evening-tickets-745026774137?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwAR35sRFRB2t55yJzlqQuBNgVrmtWqiqByIq8jvDSxbAK824qCDp1oLvv78s