|
|
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volume 55 Number 17, July 19, 2025 | ARCHIVE | HOME | JBCENTRE | SUBSCRIBE |
Dr Husam Zomlot, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to
the UK speaking at the Big Meeting
To mark how important the struggles of the peoples together are, the Durham Miners Gala placed H E Dr Husam Zomlot, Head of the Palestinian Mission to the UK, centre stage. In his own words, "I learned yesterday that I am the first ever Palestinian to be invited to this platform ... The fact that I'm here, the fact that this is the first time a Palestinian ambassador is invited, tells you the tide has shifted."
Speakers and Big Meeting standing together with the Palestinians and the people of Gaza
Dr Zomlot spoke from the heart when he said, "What energy! It's infectious! Miners, unionists, distinguished friends, Marras! [1] ... I confess to you, my friends, I do sometimes struggle for hope, to see any light in this darkness. But then I see the steadfastness of my people. ... I see you, I see the millions who march for justice in Palestine all over the world, every week, every day. And I find myself speaking to hundreds of thousands of people, along with inspiring leaders like Jeremy Corbyn. ... I tell you, the people of the UK, the British people have turned this country into the epicentre of solidarity and support for Palestine. ... I see your passion, I feel your passion, I hear your chants, I feel your energy, and hope is rekindled. I marched with you earlier today. I see in your eyes our shared humanity. ... Ceasefire Now! ... Our movement is not only about protesting death; our movement is about life."
In writing on the "Palestine in the UK" YouTube site, Dr Zomlot says that "history was made at the 139th Durham Miners' Gala-for the first time, a Palestinian speaker was invited to address the crowd. Before an audience of over 250,000 union members and community leaders, I shared a message that cut beyond party lines: 'This is not about left and right. This is about right and wrong.' My presence wasn't just symbolic-it was a reflection of a growing movement of solidarity, from the heart of working-class Britain to the people of Palestine. This is just the beginning."
For a video of the whole speech, see:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lV4dZgaHGV0
Note
[1] ''Marra'' is a miners' term of affection for a trusted friend. Marras were
generally workmates to whom, quite often, you entrusted your life. Marras are
comrades who stick together.