A thirty-minute silent vigil for Palestine, held during the evening rush hour in the centre of Nailsworth, attracted over fifty participants.
The vigil, whose key message was “Peace and Justice for All,” was jointly organised by Christ Church Nailsworth and Nailsworth Quaker Meeting. Participants stood in silence as passing motorists offered frequent hoots and waves of support.
Speaking at the start of the event, local resident and Quaker member John Miles read from a recent national Quaker statement, which expressed the hope that the ceasefire in Gaza would lead to lasting peace. The statement added that “this needs to include the permanent end to the genocide in Gaza, an end to the occupation and apartheid in Palestine, and a negotiated settlement that means both Israelis and Palestinians can live in lasting peace and security.”
Rev. Esther Mason from Christ Church Nailsworth concluded the vigil, saying, “We often feel powerless as individuals in the face of the enormous suffering this conflict has brought, but we can stand in solidarity, showing our care and support. We pray that the fragile ceasefire will hold and begin a lasting peace.”
Organisers hope that the event will become a regular monthly silent vigil for Palestine in Nailsworth.
