In order of appearance: event organizers Sophie Fasi-Mohenoa and Lillian Murray, Anglican priest Ivica Gregurec
Organized by Common Grace Aotearoa and Aotearoa Christians for Peace in Palestine, today’s march in Tāmaki Makaurau is part of a national and global movement spanning 18 countries, with more than 145 marches planned during Lent, the Christian season preceding Easter.
The event is organized by Aotearoa Christians for Peace in Palestine and demands a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and urges the New Zealand government to grant humanitarian visas to Gazan family members living in Aotearoa.
“We are simply using our bodies to pray for peace in Palestine,” explains Sophie Fasi-Mohenoa, organizer of the event.
“We started bright and early at the town’s Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and drove around, past the ports, Ōkahu Bay, Taumanu Reserve, and back past Manugakiekie to return at the Holy Sepulchre.”
The Aotearoa “pilgrimages” began in Christchurch on Saturday March 9 and will conclude in Wellington on Thursday March 28, with a prayer service on the steps of Parliament inviting MPs from all parties to attend.
These marches symbolize the difficulties faced by Palestinians due to Israeli military actions and forced evacuations. In the last four months alone, Israeli attacks have displaced 1.9 million Gazans, with more than 85% of the population affected and a death toll of more than 30,000, including more than 11,500 children.
Katrina Mitchell-Kouttab, a member of the Palestinian community, emphasizes the importance of unity.
“The suffering of the Palestinians must lead to global change,” she said. “Palestine must be free and our dead must be remembered. This is the time for unity.
The small contingent of walkers on the Tāmaki stage hope to complete the 41km hike on Saturday at 7 p.m.
