Candlelight vigil for children of Gaza

Founder of Drogheda Dolls Natalie Kelly is planning to host, what she is calling ‘a non-political, peaceful event in honour of all the children in Gaza’.

The event will take place on the steps of St Peter’s Church, West Street, from 8 – 10pm each night of Tuesday March 26, Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 of March.

“Not only as a mother, but as a human I can’t stand by and do nothing and watch what’s happening in Gaza to continue,” says Natalie, who runs the 30,000-strong community group. “It’s heart-breaking and so wrong and we need to stand up for the children as mothers, sisters, people, humans; this isn’t about sides - it’s about humanity and doing the right thing for the innocent children”.

The plan is to light candles on the steps of the church in memory of children who have died as a result of the conflict since October.

“We all spoke about this in the Dolls House in the last few months and we felt we needed to do something, however small, to raise awareness, beg for a ceasefire and highlight to our Government the wishes of the Irish people,” adds Natalie.

“We want to remember all 18,000 children to date who have lost their lives - we have 9,000 with one candle representing two children - imagine we don’t even have enough steps or candles to represent them all individually.”

She wants to stress that this is non-political and a peaceful event.

“There are no sides with children - only human kindness and compassion and the right thing to do.” she says. “I personally will always stand up for the underdog and those who can’t speak for themselves like the children of any war - they are the true victims.”

She is inviting people who would like to say a few words, or a poem, to please do so, as a microphone will be provided.

A collection for UNICEF will take place at each event.