Organisers ecstatic at big numbers for Sea Cliff Bridge pro Palestine rally

A crowd estimated at more than 500 chanted in support of the embattled people of Gaza as it snaked across the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge north of Wollongong on Sunday afternoon.

There was a big police presence on hand, including mounted police, as numbers swelled for the start of the protest just north of the bridge.

Packed trains dropped people carrying Palestinian flags and banners at the nearby Coalcliff station.

Welcoming the crowd, Dharawal man Uncle Mark Bloxsome said he stood in solidarity with the people of Palestine “and may your protests and rallies continue to grow in strength until there is peace in Palestine.”

Among the protestors, Julie Marlow from Berkeley described the situation in Gaza as “horrendous, and the rest of the world including Australia has just allowed two years of this slaughter to go ahead”.

Frances from Stanwell Park said: “For the Gazans, there is no ceasefire. They are still being shot at, starved and bombed. It’s just an ongoing horror.”

Mark Murphy and other members of the Health Care Workers for Palestine expressed their concerns that even with a ceasefire in place vital medical supplies were still not getting through to the people who need it.

Kate from Thirroul, who took part in the historic Sydney Harbour Bridge walk on 3 August, said she was pleased so many turned out for the Illawarra event. “I think we are all looking for hope in this terrible ongoing situation,” Kate said.

Wombarra local Kiara, a mother of two, said: “People are still dying in Gaza. I’ve got two young children and I don’t want to see the lives of other young children put at risk.”

A number of people travelled from Sydney to be a part of the rally and march across the bridge.

Sally from Heathcote brought her two children, Braden, 12, and Tahra, 8, who carried their home-made signs.  “I stand for worldwide peace and I’m raising the next generation to be kind,” Sally said.

Lloyd from Bankstown said he was finding the ongoing struggle in Gaza “heartbreaking: it’s so intense and difficult to deal with”.

A group calling themselves ‘2508 Parents for Palestine’ said they decided to attend the rally and bridge march to help give a voice to those who can’t speak.

Addressing the big crowd ahead of the bridge walk, Friend of Palestine leader Lena Mozayani said: “For two years we have watched a livestream of genocide on our phones, and the world has stood silent.” She said while Gaza has been decimated, the Palestinian people were survivors. “We believe liberation is coming and Palestine will be free.”

Yossra Abouelfadl was critical of the Australian Government for not doing enough to call out the actions of the Israeli Government.

“When will Australia demonstrate that it believes every life matters.” Yossra said Palestinians have one wish: “to live in peace on their land without fear.”

Police escorted the hundreds of protestors across the length of the 665-metre bridge, along the march of almost two kilometres from Coalcliff to Clifton.

There was a minor incident at the midpoint of the bridge walk when a handful of young men carrying Australian flags appeared on the footpath and taunted the marchers. Police were quickly on the scene to ensure there was no trouble, keeping the two groups apart.

The bridge was closed for nearly two hours as the protest moved slowly southward, chanting and drums spurring the group on.

A spokesperson for the rally organisers, Safaa Rayan, couldn’t hide her joy at the success of the rally.

“What an amazing turnout. I cannot believe that the people of the Illawarra have once again shown their spirit in saying no to more genocide. We expected 200 people but certainly nothing like the numbers who have turned out today.”

As the rally started to disperse, Safaa said the struggle for peace would continue in the Illawarra for as long as it takes.

“We will continue protesting every month until there is real justice for the people of Palestine.”