Nearly 12 months after retiring as Lord Mayor of Wollongong, Gordon Bradbery joined more than 200 concerned citizens in calling for peace in Gaza.
Thursday night's moving candlelight vigil on a cold, windy evening was organised by the South Coast Labour Council under the banner, "Let Gaza Live".
The former Lord Mayor, a man of the church, has always stood up for humanity. He spoke at what was a highly emotional event.
"Palestine has now become synonymous with the lowest ebb of human morality. We can't sit back silently watching one group prosper while another is living in poverty and misery," Gordon said.
"This is a terrible example of how this world has stooped so low to permit this to happen ... and highlighted the depths of depravity where people are being effectively and cruelly imprisoned in their own land."
While not commenting directly on Wollongong Council's decision this week not to support the flying of the Palestinian flag, he suggested a compromise would be to fly the United Nations' flag "because they are now under attack and have been highlighting the terrible situation we are seeing now in Gaza".
Also speaking at Thursday's vigil, which moved from North Wollongong Beach to the Flagstaff Hill lighthouse, was Egyptian-born pharmacist, Yossra Abouelfadl, who in July delivered a petition to federal parliament signed by more than 3000 health professionals, calling for urgent government action on Gaza.
"It was so uplifting to see so many people gather; mums, dads, kids and prams. This ongoing genocide affects every single one of us. I'm inspired by this community coming out in support of those people being oppressed. If they are not safe overseas, we are not safe here," Yossra said.
Arthur Rorris, who heads the South Coast Labour Council, told the crowd: "We know there is only one thing that can defeat inhumanity and oppression of innocent people and that is the collective power and strength of the solidarity of the people who are leading their own governments."
He referred to what he described as a "simple principle from legendary writer Naomi Klein".
"Side with a child over the gun every time – no matter whose gun and no matter whose child."
Former Wollongong Citizen of the Year and a strong supporter of the Wollongong Friends of Palestine, Sally Stevenson, said she felt Thursday's vigil sent a strong message. "Our Wollongong community is willing to stand up for peace, justice and humanity. What we witnessed was a strong show of solidarity and heart."