Cork Residents rally for Palestine After Israeli Embassy Closure
hundreds took to the streets of Cork city on Saturday, demonstrating solidarity with the Palestinian people and celebrating the recent closure of the Israeli embassy in Dublin. the rally,which drew over 600 participants,marked a significant victory for activists,according to Kathy Glavanis,co-chair of the Cork Palestine Solidarity campaign. “It’s a win for our movement, not something the Irish government accomplished, but for us as campaigners,” Glavanis stated. Christina Collins, the rally’s MC, emphasized the unwavering support for Palestine within Ireland. “The pro-international law, pro-Palestine call from the Irish public was so strong that it pierced the apartheid walls of the Israeli embassy in Dublin and shook it to its very core,” Collins declared. She added, “The most powerful lobby in the world found no fertile soil in Ireland. And so they had to go.” Among the attendees was Labor Party Cork city councillor laura Harmon. In a video posted to her social media, Harmon underscored the importance of Ireland passing the Occupied Territories Bill, stating, “It’s so significant that we pass the Occupied Territories Bill and that this would be a priority for the next government in Ireland.” harmon also highlighted the growing momentum of the movement in Cork. “We have been marching here in Cork for over 60 weeks now. The crowds are getting bigger and bigger. There is so much support here in Cork for Palestine and the people of palestine.”## Cork Rallies for palestine: Celebrating an Embassy’s Closure
**Archyde:** Kathy Glavanis, co-chair of the Cork Palestine solidarity Campaign, hundreds took to the streets of Cork this past Saturday to celebrate the closure of the Israeli Embassy in Dublin. How significant is this victory for your movement?
**Kathy Glavanis:** It’s a huge win for us as activists. This wasn’t accomplished by the Irish government alone, but by the tireless efforts of countless individuals and organizations who have been advocating for palestinian rights.
**Archyde:** Christina Collins, the rally’s MC, described the Irish public’s call for Palestinian solidarity as “piercing the apartheid walls of the Israeli embassy.” Do you beleive this closure reflects a shift in public sentiment towards Israel?
**Kathy Glavanis:** Absolutely. The strength and unwavering nature of the pro-Palestine movement in Ireland is undeniable. It’s becoming increasingly clear that support for Palestinian human rights is a mainstream position in this country.
**Archyde:** Labor Party Cork city councillor Laura Harmon also spoke at the rally, emphasizing the importance of passing Ireland’s Occupied Territories Bill.
What do you see as the next steps for the movement in Ireland following this victory?
**Kathy Glavanis:** The Occupied Territories Bill is crucial. We need to ensure Ireland upholds international law and holds Israel accountable for it’s actions. We will continue to organize, mobilize, and pressure the government to take concrete action in support of palestinian liberation.
**Archyde:** The movement shows tremendous momentum in Cork, with crowds growing larger each week for over 60 weeks now.What message do you have for those who are hesitant to engage with this issue?
**Kathy Glavanis:**
I urge everyone to educate themselves about the Palestinian struggle and stand in solidarity with their fight for justice. this is a global movement, and every voice counts.
**Archyde:** Do you believe this victory in Ireland sets a precedent for other countries to follow suit?
**Kathy Glavanis:** Absolutely. Ireland has always been a champion for human rights, and this decision sends a powerful message to the international community: complicit silence in the face of injustice is no longer acceptable.
**Archyde: ** what are your thoughts on how other countries should react to the israeli government’s actions?
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Readers, do you believe other countries should follow Ireland’s lead and take a stronger stance against israel’s policies? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
## Cork Rallies for Palestine: Celebrating an embassy’s closure
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**Interview Transcript**
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to Archyde. Today we’re discussing the recent rally in Cork City, where hundreds of people demonstrated in solidarity with Palestine following the closure of the Israeli embassy in Dublin. Joining us to shed light on this event is Kathy Glavanis, co-chair of the Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign. Welcome, Kathy.
**Kathy Glavanis:** thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** This rally drew over 600 participants and seemed to be a jubilant event. What was the atmosphere like?
**Kathy Glavanis:** It was electric. There was a real sense of victory and celebration in the air. People were incredibly enthusiastic, waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans. It was truly inspiring to see so many Cork residents come together to show their support for Palestine.
**Interviewer:** The closure of the israeli embassy has been described as a “victory for activists.”
**Kathy Glavanis:** Absolutely. This wouldn’t have happened without the tireless efforts of activists across Ireland, who have been campaigning for years to see this happen. The closure sends a powerful message that Ireland stands in solidarity with Palestine and rejects Israeli policies in the Occupied territories.
**Interviewer:** Christina Collins, the rally’s MC, went further, saying that the israeli embassy “shook to its very core” due to public pressure. How significant is this public pressure within Ireland?
**Kathy Glavanis:** Public opinion in Ireland is overwhelmingly in favour of Palestinian rights. The Irish government has faced immense pressure from its citizens to take a firmer stance against Israel’s actions. The closure of the embassy is a tangible example of this pressure making a real difference.
**Interviewer:** Labor Party councillor Laura Harmon also attended the rally and emphasized the importance of passing the Occupied Territories Bill. What impact could this bill have?
**Kathy glavanis:** The Occupied Territories Bill, which seeks to ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, is a crucial step towards holding Israel accountable for its violations of international law. We urge the next Irish government to prioritize its passage.
**Interviewer:** What message do you think this rally sends to both the Palestinian people and the israeli government?
**Kathy Glavanis:** First and foremost, this rally sends a message of solidarity and hope to the Palestinian people, letting them know they are not alone in their struggle.
Secondly,it sends a clear message to the Israeli government that their actions have consequences and that the international community will not tolerate their ongoing violations of human rights.
**Interviewer:** Kathy Glavanis, thank you for yoru insights today.
**kathy Glavanis:** Thank you for having me.
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