Tipperary Palestine support group marks one year of fasting and fundraising

The Hunger for Justice: Gaza campaign, launched by the Nenagh Friends of Palestine in collaboration with the North Tipperary Irish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign branch, will soon complete a full year of rolling 24-hour fasts in solidarity with the people of Palestine.

On April 14th, the campaign will mark its 365th consecutive day, with 349 volunteers having taken part in this unbroken chain of fasting – in some cases, extending their challenge to 48 and 72-hours of fasting.

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Over the past year, each volunteer has dedicated their fast to the memory of an individual killed in the ongoing violence in Palestine, sharing their tributes via social media.

This campaign has not only been a powerful act of remembrance but also a crucial effort in raising awareness of the continuing blockade on humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The Hunger for Justice campaign has received widespread support from across Ireland and internationally, with endorsements from over 50 organisations and notable figures, including Christy Moore, John Spillane, Kneecap, Frances Black, Mick Wallace, Clare Daly, Sabina Higgins and Jews for Palestine Ireland.

The campaign reached a significant milestone on December 12, 2024, when 1,600 individuals across the island of Ireland and beyond joined in a mass 24-hour fast.

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This event raised awareness and inspired peaceful vigils across various communities.

Thanks to the commitment of supporters, donations have raised over €175,000 to support relief efforts in Palestine.

Funds raised will primarily be directed to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, alongside smaller medical, food, and water aid initiatives in Gaza.

With UNRWA facing defunding, public contributions are essential in sustaining critical humanitarian efforts on the ground.

Reflecting on the collective achievement, Fergal McDonnell of the North Tipperary IPSC stated: “The unwavering commitment of our volunteers and supporters over the past year has been truly inspiring. This campaign has kept the plight of Palestinians to the front of minds while providing much-needed aid.

“Although we are approaching the final stretch of this campaign, Palestinians are still facing unthinkable conditions and we urge people to keep speaking up.”

As the campaign approaches its conclusion, there is still time to contribute.

Donations remain open, and supporters are encouraged to make a final contribution via the GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/hunger-for-justice-gaza.