Local campaigners continue work for Palestinian aid

In the last 18 months, the Frome Friends of Palestine group has raised over £33,600 for humanitarian action and aid in Palestine.

The group says the funds have been raised through the efforts of thousands of local residents, including Palestinian, Jewish and wider Middle Eastern communities.

A spokesperson for the group said, “Events have involved fundraising, talks from international experts and journalists on a wide range of topics, plus family-friendly, peaceful protests.

“Beyond the funds raised, these community gatherings provide a crucial space for residents to collectively process their deep distress and grief over the ongoing genocide. The opportunity to express empathy and solidarity has offered significant respite and mutual support.

“Featured highlights include the Frome Solidarity Fund, which has channelled £11,000 directly to families in need, most notably enabling the set-up of a soup kitchen in Gaza; a Concert for Palestine with Eddie Martin and Friends at the Cheese and Grain that raised £2,100; and events organised by Frome Friends of Palestine such as the Palestine Tapestries at Black Swan Arts, the legendary jumble sale and regular film nights have collectively raised over £16,500. The upcoming Razaqa: Sustain Palestine at the Silk Mill is projected to raise a further £4,000.

“The events are informative and inclusive, promoting community cohesion over division. They are founded on the fundamental principle that legitimate criticism and opposition to the policies of the Israeli state must never be conflated with and have no connection to antisemitism or the targeting of local Jewish residents.

“Events have also brought to Frome expert views from leading figures such as Brigadier John Deverell CBE of the Ministry of Defence, Jewish-Israeli American anthropologist Jeff Halper, Jewish filmmaker Mike Joseph, Palestinian academic Dr Naser-Najjab, international journalist Peter Oborne, and founder and director of the Hebron International Resource Network Mohammad Tamini.

“Frome has a long and established history of standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people, rooted in a commitment to human rights, international law, justice and peace. It is in this tradition that there has been a surge in community efforts focusing on delivering vital humanitarian aid to Palestinians and creating a space for informed and safe dialogue around Palestinians’ right to self-determination.

“We continue to welcome engagement from all community members who share a commitment to human rights and a safe, inclusive town for everyone.”

The next Frome Friends of Palestine jumble sale will take place at Trinity Hall on Saturday 22nd November.

For more information, email Fromefop@gmail.com.

Pictured: A Concert for Palestine with Eddie Martin and Friends at the Cheese and Grain