The message was 'strength in shared humanity', as a local Palestinian support group's recent get-together was a rousing success.

Macc4Pal host events every month in Macclesfield town centre, to show solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Community, sharing and learning was the name of the game at this month's Palestinian Cultural Evening, held at St. Michael's Church on Market Place.

Organisers told Macclesfield Nub News how the event went.

"It was a wonderful celebration of Palestinian food and music as well as an evening of impactful conversations and reflection," they said.

"We also raised £1500 for the Middle East Children's Alliance which works to protect the rights and improve the lives of children in the Middle East and particularly in Gaza at the moment, through aid, empowerment and education. 

Food was provided by ELAF of Jordangate.

"If you'd like to contribute to the fundraiser, you can do so here: https://goto.gg/f/49965."

"90 people turned out to share a whole spread of delicious Palestinian food prepared by a fabulous team of Palestinian, Syrian and Lebanese cooks in the local area, including our very own Elaf Lebanese Restaurant - Maqloubeh, Musakhan, Falafel, stuffed vine leaves, Fattoush, Namoura, Knafeh.

"We then heard from Dr Mona El-Farra, Director of Gaza Projects for the Middle East Children's Alliance and former Vice President of the Red Crescent Society in Gaza.

"She spoke from the heart about her experience of fleeing Gaza in October, the huge loss of life that her family and everyone in Gaza is facing, and the scale of destruction.

"Dr Mona particularly highlighted the ever-increasing healthcare needs in Gaza as people have no access to routine treatments, undergo operations without anaesthesia, and suffer from new diseases spreading rapidly in the context of widespread displacement and starvation.

The flag of Palestine.

"We ended the night by showing an emotional and impactful short film called The Present.

"In just 25 minutes it shows the challenges of daily life in the West Bank for Palestinians, navigating military checkpoints, humiliation and discrimination whilst going about daily tasks like going to work or shopping.

"Set and filmed in 2020, it showed what life has been like in the West Bank for years – a life under an oppressive military occupation which routinely violates the human rights of Palestinians simply because of who they are and where they live.

"Dr Mona's message for us in the UK was to stay strong in standing firm alongside and in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

"In the midst of intermittent communications blackouts, people in Gaza, as well as Palestinians in the West Bank and all over the world do see that not everyone supports the violence, collective punishment and forced starvation being inflicted on them.

"It is also so important for us to educate ourselves and others on what is happening; with more knowledge we are better equipped to advocate for peace and justice and challenge those in power who fail to do just that.

"So if you know a lot about life for the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, help educate others. If you only know a little, be open to educating yourself and learning from others."

Macclesfield's night of solidarity for the West Asian nation was held on Friday March 16.

But it won't be the last event Macclesfield holds for Palestine this year.

"As we reach 6 months of siege and intense bombardment on Gaza, we must continue to advocate for peace and justice for everyone in Palestine and Israel," added Macc4Pal.

"Instead of sowing divisions, may we see the humanity in those around us and build bridges across cultural, religious and ethnic boundaries. Let us learn from affected communities instead of speaking for them or holding preconceived views of them.

"It can be easy for us to feel as though conflict and oppression across the world does not affect us and does not warrant our action.

"But now peace and justice requires not only a passive love for people outside of our close vicinity, but concerted action to lift up the oppressed and protect the vulnerable regardless of who and where they are, and the courage to challenge social and political structures in order to uphold the dignity of all people."

The next event held by Macc4Pal will be a campaign in Macclesfield Town Centre on Saturday April 6, outside WHSmith on Mill Street and Age UK on Exchange Square from 11am to 12 noon.

For more details about Macc4Pal please email [email protected].

You can follow them on Instagram @macc4pal.