Gael Linn staff and friends gathered to welcome the Palestinian Ambassador, Dr Wahba Abdalmajid, as she visited the organisation’s offices in Dame Street, Dublin. The event came on a momentous day for the people of Gaza with the announcement of the acceptance of the first part of a peace plan. The Ambassador welcomed the news that things were looking up towards an agreement on a ceasefire and steps towards peace. Dr Wahba Abdalmajid said that the Palestinian people were entitled to some hope after what they had endured over the past two years in particular. She explained that the sight of young children dancing in the streets of Gaza that morning had touched her heart.
The theme of healing and the need for peace for all was very much at the forefront of the event. The Ambassador also spoke of her love for Irish culture; for music, dance and language. The event included music, poetry and songs.
‘The cause of the Palestinian citizens and the people of Gaza is a cause of our time and humanity itself is in the balance,’ Gael Linn Chief Executive, Réamonn Ó Ciaráin
Anne Hart presented the ambassador with a piece of art by renowned artist Dara Vallely as part of the event. Dermot Kelly, from Milltown, Co. Armagh, who was part of the company, was highly praised for his work on behalf of the Palestinian people since the early 1970s.
Among the performers taking part were; JJ Ó Dochartaigh from the rap group Kneecap who sent a video message sending love to the Palestinian people. Antaine Ó Donnaile read a poem of his with translations in English and Arabic on the screen. Étáin Ní Churraoin from An Chéad Glúin Eile, Ian Mac Gabhann (Gael Linn) and Ciara Bhreathnach and Evan Ó Gríofa sang powerful songs that touched hearts. Faye Ní Raghallaigh (Gael Linn) and Réamonn Ó Ciaráin gave a poetic presentation on the unfair bias of much of the international media in reporting on the genocide in Gaza.
Palestinian food from Shaku Maku greatly enhanced the event.
Tomás Ó Cadhla (Gael Linn) was the host and thanked everyone,
‘We will remember this powerful event for a long time as it falls on a historic day for Palestine. We hope that peace and justice will now come to the Palestinian people.’
Thanking Gael Linn for hosting the event, the Ambassador acknowledged that the peace plan for Gaza was ultimately accepted by those in power but she was very confident that the voices of millions around the world, here in Ireland, and at events like this were also behind the decision.’
Photos: James Mone