“It's important that we don't just sit at home” | Fórsa members turn out for IPSC rally

Storm Amy absolutely battered the country last weekend, but nothing could stop the steadfast outpouring of solidarity that swept through Dublin last week as Fórsa members mobilised to join the monthly Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign demonstration. As wind rattled the city, Nerney’s Court opened its doors - offering warmth, conversation, and connection before people joined the main march for Gaza.

Things felt especially close to home, as two people with strong links to Fórsa were among those recently detained by Israeli forces while taking part in the Sumud Flotilla.

Mehak Dugal from the Fórsa Campaigns Team said: “So today we've hosted a community event for Fórsa members who want to come and show their solidarity with the people of Gaza. Today also marks two years of the genocide. The weather is a bit rough today, but we've got a great turnout in the building. There's so many young Fórsa members who've come out to show their solidarity with the people of Gaza. We really want an end to the horrific violence that we continue to see daily.”

Grace Doyle, Chair of the Meath Health Branch, had travelled in with her family from Meath. She said:

“It's important that we don't just sit at home and acknowledge how sad it is and how tragic it is. It's important that we show support, to bring about an end to the genocide and atrocity that is happening in Palestine at this moment.”

For Paul MacSweeney, Chair of the Trade Union Friends of Palestine, his thoughts were with those taking real risks in solidarity by taking part in the Sumud Flotilla. Two activists with very real connections to Fórsa were among those detained in international waters by Israeli forces, after the vessel attempted to break the blockade of Gaza.

“We also are remembering the Irish people and all the people who bravely were part of the Sumud Flotilla and who were detained illegally in international waters by the Israelis, that includes Fórsa member, Donna Schwarz. We also have somebody who works with us here who has a relative, Diarmuid MacDubhghlais as well, who was on the flotilla,”

Most of the Irish citizens detained by Israel after intercepting the Global Sumud Flotilla have now returned home, where friends, family and supporters gathered at Dublin Airport to welcome them back. Among the first to be released was Fórsa member Donna Schwarz, who, along with Sarah Clancy and Thomas McCune, said they were subjected in Ktzi’ot Prison to “petty and extreme cruelties.”

Descriptions from other returnees detail lack of water, denial of medical support, aggressive behaviour by IDF personnel, and being restrained under harsh conditions. Despite the trauma, the activists expressed relief to be home and hope their ordeal will raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and spur further solidarity action.

“They're the best of us. They represent us. They're doing something in the absence of international pressure. They're trying to break the blockade. An illegal blockade put there by Israel which is actually starving men, women and children,” said a supportive Paul MacSweeney.