Offaly event to fundraise for children of Palestine

As Israel’s unrelenting and seemingly merciless assault against the Palestinian citizens in Gaza continues, Scene of the Rhyme organiser, poet, and activist David Mallaghan will host a special fundraising event in John Lee's Bar and Venue in Tullamore this weekend.

The ‘FUNDRAISER FOR THE CHILDREN OF PALESTINE’ – to be held in conjunction with the Tullamore For Gaza group will see an array of spoken-word poets, singer/songwriters, DJs, and dignitaries performing and addressing the evening’s audience across three stages on Sunday, February 4 from 8pm onwards.

The event’s chosen charity is M.A.P. - ‘Medical Aid for Palestinians', with donations possible on the door on the night, or via www.leesbar.ie

Speaking about the reasons behind the fundraiser, Mr Mallaghan said: “Israel’s war on Gaza has killed over 25,000 Palestinians since it began. And almost the same number of children have lost their parents to Israeli attacks. This is a genocide. That some are arguing about the definition of the term given what we are seeing unfold before our eyes in real-time is hard to fathom.”

The poet continued: “Israel wants every Palestinian in Gaza either dead or displaced, because they want all of that land. It’s been like this since 1948. Every year since then, life for the two million people living in Gaza has been getting progressively worse. Israel's latest bombing of Gaza, and their troop incursions, are war crimes. And yet, most of the world is looking the other way.”

“Our fundraiser”, he points out, “while being a good way of sending money to the besieged area, is also about bringing up-to-date information to the public by means of the speakers who will be talking about the issue. There’ll be poetry, and some comedy, music, and various speeches, too. As always, I want to take this opportunity to thank John Lee for his support, and always to express my sincere thanks to each of the artists who will be taking part.”

Performers and speakers will include: Nuala Leonard; Hubert Murray; Jack Keeshan; Dan Breslin; Shinane Higgins; Miya Matsushita; Elizabeth Redmond; David Digan; James Shanley; Sean O’ Brien and Jack Hurson with David Mallaghan as MC.

The Fundraiser for the Children of Palestine will take place at John Lee's Bar and Venue, Church Street, Tullamore, on Sunday, February 4 from 8pm.