Thousands join in pilgrimage for ceasefire in stricken Gaza
DETERMINED despite the scorching heat, thousands of people from all walks of life took part in the solidarity pilgrimage on Human Rights Day, calling for an enduring and sustained ceasefire in Gaza, Palestine.
The pilgrimage started at the Simon’s Town train station at 7am, with prayer and reflection stops in Fish Hoek, Muizenberg, Retreat, Plumstead, Claremont, Mowbray, Woodstock, and the final stop and solidarity event at the Groote Kerk in Adderley Street.
Those attending could do the full 41 km pilgrimage or join at any of the stops along the route.
The Cape Town Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage formed part of a global movement to “walk in prayerful solidarity” during Lent.
Globally, the pilgrimage calls for an enduring and sustained ceasefire; immediate flow of humanitarian aid and assistance; release of all hostages – Israeli hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian hostages held in Israeli prisons.
It also called for an end to the occupation of Palestine.
While the pilgrimage was organised by individuals from various churches and Christian organisations, the gathering saw support from different faith institutions, human rights and solidarity organisations.
Families and friends joined with infants and toddlers or canine companions in tow.
They wore keffiyeh, watermelon symbols, and waved the Palestinian flag.
Support was shown by hooting cars and waving cyclists.
The group was spurred on by encouraging remarks and well wishes by passersby met along the route.
Lakeside resident, Maurietta Stewart, said: “I think I’ve lost my words for the crisis and the genocide.
“I don’t have any more words to describe how awful it is and the injustice and the evil of it.
“This is kind of an embodied way of praying for me.
“One feels powerless and being present in my body and walking seems to be a way of praying and meditating and having solidarity with others with the same mind and heart, with the hope that the genocide will end soon.”
In Plumstead, prayers were led by the SA Jews for a Free Palestine.
At Claremont Main Road Mosque, a flag and poster demonstration was held outside while waiting for the group.
Once they arrived, prayers were also read at the mosque.
The mosque also opened its doors to serve as a refreshment stop.
Palestinian-Canadian citizen journalist and humanitarian worker, Mansour Shouman, who is currently visiting for a number of programmes, was present at the mosque.
“In Sha Allah, despite not being there physically, we’re just getting started and with your support, people in South Africa, people around the world, we can continue to ensure that this genocide ends as soon as possible, a ceasefire happens, aid reaches everywhere and we free Palestine, including the West Bank as well.”