On Sunday 10th November (Remembrance Sunday) around 120 people held a silent candelit vigil for the citizens of Palestine and and ongoing war in Gaza, in Reigate.
Helen Burnett who organised the gathering said:
“As I was unable to go on a planned visit to Palestine this week it felt incredibly important to find a way to show solidarity with the people of Gaza, and I wondered if something could be done in my home town of Reigate. When over 120 people turned up for a Vigil in front of the clocktower I was overwhelmed. We were joined by 17th Reigate Muslim Scouts who had only just heard of the event and came straight from their evening meeting to be there.
The need for a place to grieve and be in community was palpable. After the vigil which included a period of silence and the recital of the names of some of the over 43,000 dead we exchanged our candles for olive branches, there were hugs and tears and many new friendships forged.
Beforehand I had wondered, would anyone come out to join me, the realisation that there were others who cared enough about the ongoing genocide to turn out for an ad-hoc event on a Sunday evening was proof that there is a huge sense of grief, anger and powerlessness in the face of ongoing atrocities that I hope was alleviated a little by our gathering.”
Comments from some of the participants:
“This event was quite overwhelmingly – it felt good to come together, praying and giving them all the help that they need by showing that as humans we care for each other.
Scout 14 yrs
‘This was very inspirational because it helped us to appreciate the people we have lost in Palestine and how the war is affecting others. I really appreciate making this time for other people that we have lost.”
Scout 13 yrs
“I am happy to be here to share in all of the solidarity and care for the people in Palestine and Gaza and reflect on how much they have done for us.”
Scout 9 yrs
“This event has helped me realise what is happening in Palestine. It brought together a sense of community and is very welcoming. I loved it so much. It made me reflect on what is happening back there and I cannot imagine myself in that position.”
Scout 14 yrs
“Being for is a feeling of togetherness as a community as we all have the same feelings of Gaza and feel we need to do something. We have a mission.”
Scout 11yrs
Mariam Elsayeh Ibrahim, section group leader of the Muslim Scout Group Bethlehem, Reigate 17th said:
“It was my absolute pleasure and honour to attend the vigil today. I’d like to speak about my scout group. For a year they haven’t been able to grieve, they wouldn’t have believed that there are people in the community who care about their grief, care about their sadness and care about their wounds. I saw smiles on the faces of my group for the first time in 13 months because they felt finally, that they belong to Reigate. This is the Reigate they love to see. I am delighted that we came. It wasn’t planned at all but I am delighted that my children had this experience because I believe tomorrow when they go to school, they won’t feel the same as they did yesterday, because today they felt like they belonged.”
Linda Ramsden from ICAHD UK (the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions) who was also present said:
“It has been fantastic to be at this vigil, which has taken place in the high street of Reigate, Surrey, to remember Palestinians. It has been overwhelming to find so many people who care about what is happening to the Palestinians. People who believe there is a better way, a more human way to treat one another. When we are consumed by the grief of seeing a genocide, happening before our eyes on the television screens, to be able to come here and stand with one another with love and hope for the future, we know we can continue.
