Sheffield demands a Ceasefire on Armistice Day.

Saturday we experienced a very emotional march and rally calling for a Ceasefire and an end to the Israeli occupation of Gaza and the West Bank. News of continued atrocities in Palestine, especially the targeting of the al-Shifa Hospital, led to a sombre but determined mood.

This song, led by the Tadhamon Singers, Socialist Choir and others and conducted by Helen Lyle, summed up beautifully what we were feeling.

It’s a song by Penny Stone about our children. It’s inspired by James Baldwin a Civil Rights activist who said “The Children are always ours. Every single one of them. All over the Globe. And I am beginning to suspect that whoever is incapable of recognising this may be incapable of morality. This song is also inspired by the Jewish activists in North America who are currently protesting, campaigning and taking direct action and saying “Not in My Name”. Calling on the US Government to stop supporting the Genocide being carried out by Israel.

Musheir Al-Rarrar has recently returned from Gaza, having been trapped there when the bombing started. Here is his speech.

Qusim, Musheir’s son, shared some of his awful experiences in Gaza. Unfortunately, the video is not up to my usual standards. I had to relocate due to the sun shining directly in my camera, so missed the beginning. It proved difficult to find a new position!

Steph from Extinction Rebellion made the links between the Climate Crisis and the Genocide in Gaza.

Shamefully not a single MP turned up to the rally but Cllr Alexi Dimond spoke for the Green Party.

Alan Deadman spoke for Jews against Israeli Apartheid.

The march left Burngreave and proceeded through the Wicker Arches, past the old markets, Fitzalan Square, to Arundel Gate and the Crucible, finishing at the Town Hall. It’s estimated that 1500 people were on the march, even though 10 coaches had taken Sheffielder’s to the London march.