OVER £2,000 has been raised for Medical Aid for Palestine (MAP) through weekly vigils and fundraising efforts from Carlisle's Palestine Solidarity Group.
Around 40 people gathered in Carlisle's city centre as the group publicised their cheque of £2,148 for crucial supplies (December, 23), in line with their Christmas vigil.
Rebecca Stanley, a spokesperson for the group, thanked the people of Carlisle for their support.
“On behalf of all those devastated by this war, I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has donated to our appeal.
"The cost of living crisis, the cold weather and Christmas are putting pressure in everyone and we are overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of the people of Carlisle who have contributed to our fundraising for Medical Aid for Palestinians.
"This is a phenomenal achievement and will have a tremendous impact, thank you," she said.
The gathering also included some alternative Christmas caroling, which highlighted ongoing issues in the holy lands.
However, there won't be any Christmas celebrations in Palestine due to the current situation in Gaza.
The churches in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ and Christmas, have chosen to forego Christmas decorations as a gesture of solidarity towards Gaza.
Bethlehem and much of the West Bank have been in a state of lockdown since October 7.
"Coverage of the curfew has been sparse as the focus has been, rightly, on the atrocities in Gaza, but is nevertheless concerning," group spokesperson Fiona Goldie said.
"There is an increase in violence across the region, and as well as the over 20,000 killed in Gaza there have been over 300 killed in the West Bank during the same time period.
"Injuries are now also in the 10s of 1000s and the group will continue to raise money for medical aid and will continue with their weekly calls for peace for as long as the need persists.
"We hope for a more peaceful, and safer New Year ahead for both Israel and Palestine and look forward to an end to the unnecessary civilian killings.
"We welcome the UN’s recent motion to increase humanitarian aid supplies, but we know that this is not enough, and will continue to call for a ceasefire long term.
"We hope to discuss this further with local MPs when the festivities are over," she said.
The group will continue to raise funds for MAP going ahead.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel