The Palestine Solidarity Group Carlisle & District's weekly ceasefire vigil, this Easter weekend, coincided with the Palestinian 'Land Day'.

'Land Day' marks Israel's announcement on March 30, 1976, to take land from the Palestinians living in the Galilee, inciting wide protests at the time. 

“It is similar to the evictions and displacement that is taking place, currently in the West Bank,” Fiona Goldie, a group spokesperson said. 

“Palestinians across the world mark Land Day as a pivotal moment in their history, and an important date in the galvanising of resistance to the occupation and the theft of their land.

"It is especially poignant at this time when Israeli politicians and extremist settlers alike are on Israeli TV announcing their intent to ‘retake’ Gaza for Israel and we have seen 10s of thousands of Gazans killed, maimed and displaced by current fighting," she said. 

As part of their efforts, the group is planning a fundraiser for Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) on April 5 at the Brickyard with doors opening at 7.30pm.

Entry charge is £10 and all proceeds will be directed to MAP.

Among those performing will be Steve Wilson from Robots with Souls.

“Seeing what's going on over there is heartbreaking, & it so often feels like there is nothing we can do to help," he said. 

"Playing a gig isn't going to change the world, but if it can make any small difference to the grim situation people are facing then it's worth every bit of it.

"It's the least I could do. I'm looking forward to it and hoping that others will support the event & show solidarity for the cause.”

Tickets for the event can be found via -  https://www.fatsoma.com/e/gc31fgfg/fundraising-event-for-medical-aid-for-palestinian