The term Nakba, which translates as “catastrophe”, refers to the ethnic cleansing of Palestinian Arabs through the violent displacement and dispossession of land and property along with the destruction of their society and the suppression of their culture, identity, political rights, and national aspirations.
A talk was given detailing the history of the Nakba, alongside a visual display depicting how Palestinian territory has been stolen and reduced over the decades since the Nakba began in 1948.
Other contributions included Black Country Health Workers for Palestine, whose speaker contrasted first-hand experience of helping mothers give birth with the facilities at Russells Hall Hospital to the conditions endured by those under military occupation and attack.
The event was held outside Dudley Council House and coincided with a Council Meeting that oversaw the instalment of a new Mayor, giving opportunity for local councillors to visit the vigil and spend time with the group.
There was healthy attendance from the newly formed Dudley Independents Group (DIG) whose leader Pete Lowe commented: "Now we are no longer bound by the Labour Party whip, DIG Councillors are able to support any causes of our choosing," adding “I have been a supporter of Palestine since I was 15 years old and I was proud tonight to again be standing next to my brothers and sisters.”
A spokesperson for Dudley PSG said “We were delighted that Councillor Andrew Tromans (Wollaston and Stourbridge Town Ward) was able to attend, as he has been a champion for our cause in the Council Chamber on a consistent basis.
"We would also like to acknowledge the attendance of several independent councillors who were a welcome addition to the gathering, along with the Liberal Democrats. We are disappointed that there were no meaningful contributions from the Tory or Labour Groups, although a couple of Labour Councillors did speak with us on their way into the meeting, despite the absence of their leadership.
"On a positive note, Mayor Hilary Bills made the effort to spend time with us on her last official day in the role, which was much appreciated and set an excellent example”
Shakeela Bibi, who herself ran for Parliament in Dudley, spoke at the event, highlighting the ongoing horrors of the Nakba and the need for politicians to reverse course on how they use their power and influence, saying: “Although the Nakba of 1948 was 77 years ago and we rightly look back on that period of history with sombre cries of “never again”, these same atrocities are happening again, right now, with the support of our political leaders.
"Our communities need to come together, show unity and organise from the ground up to create the positive change that our leaders are failing to deliver. Today’s event was an example of this.”
