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Colourful kites flown in solidarity with Gaza
Colourful kites were flown on the Downs on Sunday afternoon in solidarity with the people of Gaza.
It was the second such Kites In Solidarity event which saw kites taking to the skies near the water tower, with many depicting watermelons which have become a symbol of Palestinian resistance.
The event in Bristol coincided with a pro-Israel rally in London to mark 100 days since the October 7 attacks by Hamas, with thousands of people in Trafalgar Square calling for the release of all hostages from Gaza.
“We are flying kites today for the children of Gaza,” said event organiser Daisy, adding that in 2011 they broke the world record for the number of kites being flown simultaneously at an event organised by the United Nations Relief & Works Agency at Al-Waha Beach.
“Beneath the colourful kites, there are children growing up in a warzone who have lived through more violence and destruction than any child should ever have to experience.”
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Daisy said that the event – one of more than 100 across the world – was a “beautiful and symbolic act of unity and solidarity; and what better symbol of freedom is there than a kite dancing in the sky?”
She added: “Let’s remember why we are taking to the streets and flying kites in the skies as we join together in solidarity and demand for a permanent and urgent ceasefire…
“Both personally and on behalf of Kites in Solidarity as a movement, I want to be clear that we stand with the people of Palestine who are in urgent need of help and support.
“I also want to be clear in our belief that Jewish safety and Palestinian freedom are not opposing causes.
“Standing with the people of Palestine should not equate to the endorsement or validation of violence towards the Jewish and Israeli community, acts which we wholeheartedly condemn.”
Many kites were watermelons which have become a symbol of Palestinian solidarity – photo: Rob Browne
Another speaker, Lucy, who is half-Palestinian and who was born in Jordan, said that she is “sending my love, peace and prayers to the innocent people who are suffering”.
She said: “To the children of Palestine and Gaza, I see my father as a little boy in each of your eyes and my heart aches with grief and rage that this has been allowed to happen to you.
“To the mothers who are suffering with loss, who are about to give birth or recently have while living under such brutal suffering, I see my pregnant grandmother fearing for the baby she is carrying and for her two toddlers, fearing for her family and for her life.
“Homeless, desperate, my family were the lucky ones.”
Colourful kites were flown near the water tower on the Downs – photo: Rob Browne
Main photo: Rob Browne
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