Amherst Vigil Calls for End to Blockade of Gaza
Scene from the vigil at Kendrick Park on June 5, calling for an end to the Israeli blockade of Gaza. Photo: Leyla Moushabeck
Fundraising Concert for the Children of Gaza: June 14 in Northampton
Amherst’s Kendrick Park was the site of a family-friendly march and vigil on June 5, calling for an end to the Israeli blockade of Gaza. The event was organized by Valley Families for Palestine. Materials for sign-making were on hand as well as snacks and activities for children. A crowd gathered in the children’s playground where both organizers and members of the crowd spoke from the heart, without mics, sharing their sorrow at the Palestinian lives lost—those who have been starved, killed, or burned. Together they reaffirmed their resolve to continue to push for an end to the blockade of the Gaza strip. Among the speakers was Ruth Moushabeck, who is organizing a fundraising concert for children in Gaza on Saturday, June 14.
Since March 2, 2024, Israel has imposed a complete blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza, cutting off food, medical supplies and other life-saving aid to the more than 2 million Palestinians. At the same time Israel has intensified its assault on Gaza, targeting hospitals, health aid workers, journalists, and civilians in areas it had previously designated as safe. According to UNICEF, more than 50,000 Palestinian children have been killed or injured since October 2023.
Father’s Day Fundraising Concert for the Children of Gaza
English teacher Enaam Sakallah, serially displaced like so many other Palestinians, set up the Sumud School- — “sumud” means steadfastness in Arabic — in a tent community in Deir el-Balah. After she and her team returned to Gaza City, they found an intact building, cleaned and repaired it, registered students and are now holding classes there. The school now has now has a student body of 350 and 15 teachers.
There will be a fundraising concert for the Sumud School from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, at the Unitarian Society, 220 Main Street, Northampton (next to Northampton City Hall). The concert is cosponsored by Friends of the Sumud School, Demilitarize Western Mass, and Jewish Voice for Peace Western Mass. Those who cannot attend the concert in person can donate via this gofundme page or using the QR code in the poster.
