Pictured: a group of pilgrims assemble in Crows Nest at the start of the walk
Story by Sue.
With record rainfalls overnight, there were floods everywhere, train cancellations, and buses that didn’t show up, leaving the ecumenical social justice group from Engadine stranded. Eventually they walked all the way from Town Hall to Milsons Point to join the south-bound Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage Walk who were heading back over the Harbour Bridge and towards St Mary’s Cathedral at Hyde Park. (I had stayed overnight on the north-side, so was able to be there from the beginning)
Started by a New Zealand man who was feeling heartbroken and helpless, the now-worldwide pilgrimage invites people to walk in prayerful solidarity with the people of Gaza, calling for a lasting ceasefire, immediate humanitarian relief, release of all hostages and an end to occupation.
Sydney’s walk was organised by Palestinian Christians in Australia who generously included all-comers in their prayers and songs as we gathered at Crows Nest Uniting to wait for others who were held up by public transport disruptions. Their main organiser Suzan explained that they considered cancelling the walk due to the torrential downpours over the last day, but decided that even if we had to walk the whole way in the rain it was nothing compared to ordeal the people of Gaza suffered as they fled for their lives to Rafah.
Suzan went on to describe how the Palestinian community in Australia has become a refugee resettlement service overnight, as people fleeing from Gaza have been granted tourist visas by the government and often arrive with nothing but the clothes they wear. A professional accountant who helps out with what is an advocacy organisation, Suzan and other members of Palestinian Christians in Australia find themselves required to act as furniture removalists, fund raisers, real estate hunters, grocery shoppers, clothing sourcers, translators, counsellors, comforters, chefs, children’s play therapists, and many other roles as they house, feed, clothe and support refugees.
The clouds cleared away and the sun came out, and with a police bicycle escort we made our peaceful way down the Pacific Highway through North Sydney and Lavender Bay, meeting more walkers (including familiar faces from Engadine!) at Milsons Point when we paused for song before crossing the Bridge and walking through the crowds around Circular Quay to the Opera House and up Macquarie St. Every part of the walk was an opportunity to connect with others on the ‘pilgrimage’, hear their stories and share in prayerful solidarity for the suffering and injustice of others.
There was space (just!) in the busy Cathedral, and time for some closing prayers and songs before dispersing in peace to go on with our lives (and wondering if we could find a train going home?). In our conversations over the day, we discussed how our pilgrimage brought us together in solidarity and raised awareness amongst our congregations. Suzan and the other organisers expressed their appreciation that we had turned out to support them and their work, and we appreciated the conversations we were able to have with other pilgrims along the way.
(Pictured: members of St John Bosco and Engadine Uniting churches on the walk)
Members of our congregation were shocked and saddened to hear of the death of church member Jan’s second cousin Zomi Frankcom, aid worker with World Central Kitchen, who was killed as the result of a drone attack by the Israeli Defence Force while in a convoy delivering food aid and travelling along a route pre-approved and coordinated with the IDF. We extend our sincerest condolences to the family who are mourning their compassionate sister, daughter, niece and cousin. Another cousin of Jan’s has written, “Our hearts are full of grief for her but also for the people she was so prepared to assist.”
Our own feelings that arise from this personal connection remind us of the experiences of the friends and family of the 196 aid workers killed to date in this war, as well as the over 31,000 residents of Gaza who have been killed including 12,300 children. Over 570,000 people are facing famine conditions, and 1.7 million people have been internally displaced.
Tim Costello writes in the Guardian on Wednesday: “Zomi Frankcom was only 43…Self-giving, courageous and compassionate; in her life we see the expression of the deepest and truest values of what we aspire to be…Her death along with six other aid colleagues from World Central Kitchen should never have happened.” You can read the remainder here (3min read).
What can I do?
- Make a financial contribution to the work of Palestinian Christians in Australia who are coordinating support in the region. Funds raised will be distributed to housing Gaza families arriving in Australia, helping Gaza families currently in Gaza, and advocacy work.
- For tax-deductible donations, you can donate to Act for Peace (website with donation details here), the international humanitarian agency of the National Council of Church in Australia who work directly with the Near East Council of Churches and Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees.
- Read this guide from Act for Peace for useful notes on choosing and using media wisely, understanding the context, writing to elected representatives, showing public solidarity, and what your donations to Act for Peace will do.
- Read and watch some of the resources curated by our church book club on the history of the conflict in Gaza to learn more and understand more about the issue.
- Join our ecumenical social justice group and be part of an Engadine based community committed to making a difference. Representing a range of faith backgrounds, together we challenge injustice, advocate for equity, and promote compassion. Join us as we strive to build a more just and inclusive world, where everyone’s voice is heard and valued. Email Sarina to learn more.
- Take an intentional walk, long or short, each day where each step represents that of a life lost (currently estimated to be 33,091 Palestinians (source: OCHA). If swimming is more your style, each stroke can represent a life lost.
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