Charlotte Varcoe
SUPPORT for Palestine has been seen throughout the region with vigils and marches held recently.
In October last year, war broke out between Israel and Hamas, the militant Islamist group which has controlled Gaza since 2006, leading to the death of civilians on both sides.
The conflict continues, drawing attention across the globe.
In response to the bloody conflict, Mount Gambier/Berrin resident Mariam Kassim organised a march late last year and on Wednesday, a vigil was held in the heart of the city in support of Palestinians.
Ms Kassim was born in Egypt yet grew up in Saudi Arabia before moving to Australia in 2019.
Having called Mount Gambier/Berrin home since 2020, Ms Kassim told SA Today during a short time living in Adelaide she was able to attend a number of protests.
“I loved it very much because it felt like I could stand up and use my voice and try to share awareness of what injustice is happening in Palestine,” Ms Kassim said.
“Something that really motivates me is that I grew up with lots of Palestinians, a lot of my childhood friends were from Palestine and were refugees from Gaza.”
“I remember them telling me stories about how they would go and visit their family in Gaza and I was very confused but as I grew up I learnt more about it.”
She said after seeing videos from the conflict, she felt the need to do something about it.
“If that was me, if that was a family member of mine or if they were my childhood friends I would not want to be silent at all,” Ms Kassim said.
She said after first organising the initial protest in December, she did not know what to expect yet was pleasantly surprised by the number of people which turned up.
“This is something that is deemed controversial in our society today so I was able to gather some support from my Muslim community here in Mount Gambier,” Ms Kassim said.
“I have friends who respect me and my traditions and who see what is happening and they know it is wrong.
“I just wanted to do something and whoever wanted to turn up was able to but lots of people turned up and it was amazing, I was so proud and grateful for everyone who turned up.”
She said during the initial protest, many members of the community would join as they marched past or show support while driving by.
“It was something very inspiring to see and I was not expecting the support we received as I am very new to this, I had never organised anything before either,” Ms Kassim said.
“Before this I had only attended two protests in my life so I did feel scared but there were people in Adelaide who helped me share and spread awareness of it happening.”
She said many within the Muslim community were feeling hurt and grieving following the ongoing conflict.
Moving into the new year, Ms Kassim said there were many more supportive events in the pipeline to show solidarity for those in Palestine.
