By guest author San’aa Sultan
Over the past few weeks we have heard stories of bravery, courage, hope, happiness, and grief from Palestine. The stories accompanied the news that just over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners would be freed in exchange for Gilad Shalit, an Israeli IDF officer who was kidnapped from his tank in the Gaza strip and kept captive by the Palestinians.
As the news spread across the globe and different opinions were voiced, youth in the UK were planning something very different to send hope to those illegally detained by Israel.
Students, activists, and solidarity societies all over the UK planned a candlelight vigil, “A light in the darkness: A vigil for peace.” The intention was to send light to those who had none.
A silent gesture of solidarity, peace, and compassion was being whispered about in the cold streets of Preston, Sheffield, Derby, Birmingham, and London by people who valued their freedom and that of the oppressed.
On Sunday evening the 30th of October, people all over the UK came together to light their candles, say prayers, send off Chinese lanterns and relight the flame of hope amongst those whose hope was stolen. The vigil in London is set to take place later in the week.
Simple acts of solidarity like this work wonders to bring a touch of humanity to the struggles of those whom our systems work so hard to dehumanise.