Blog for Palestine By Dr Fadoua Govaerts
Swindon Palestine Solidarity: A Journey for Justice
In 2020, as the world watched yet another devastating attack on Gaza, a group of us in Swindon found each other through social media. We were strangers brought together by a shared sense of outrage and a burning desire to do something—anything—that could make a difference. The brutality we witnessed was not something we could ignore. We couldn’t sit still. From these connections, Swindon Palestine Solidarity (SPS) was born, rooted in the belief that even in a town like Swindon, we can stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their struggle for freedom and justice.
Why Swindon Palestine Solidarity Matters
Swindon may be a small town, but we are part of a global community. The Palestinian struggle for self-determination resonates far beyond the borders of the Middle East. It is about universal principles: the right to live in dignity, the right to freedom, and the right to justice. These are rights we hold dear in the UK, and it is our moral responsibility to ensure they extend to everyone, including the Palestinian people.
When we remain silent in the face of oppression, we become complicit. The apartheid policies in Palestine, the forced expulsions, the illegal settlements, and the denial of basic human rights are not just a Palestinian issue—they are a global issue. To ignore these injustices while claiming to stand for freedom and equality is hypocrisy.
We cannot say we believe in justice for all while excluding some people from that right. And we certainly cannot ignore the suffering of others simply because they live far away. Swindon might seem disconnected from global struggles, but we belong to the world, and the world belongs to all of us.
Our Achievements
Since our inception, Swindon Palestine Solidarity has made meaningful strides in raising awareness and fostering a sense of community action.
-Charity Dinners: We’ve hosted dinners that not only raise funds for vital causes but also bring people together to learn, share, and support.
Protests: Whether standing in Swindon’s town centre or joining national demonstrations, we’ve made our voices heard, showing that even in smaller towns, there is no room for silence on issues of injustice.
-Film Nights: Through screenings of documentaries and films, we’ve brought the reality of Palestinian lives under occupation to our community, sparking meaningful discussions.
-Discussion Panels: These events have provided a platform for honest dialogue, often featuring individuals with lived experience of being forcibly displaced from their homeland. Hearing their stories has been both heartbreaking and galvanizing.
A Call to Action
The Palestinian struggle is not just their struggle—it is ours too. Every voice matters, whether it’s calling out injustice, sharing knowledge, or standing in solidarity. Swindon Palestine Solidarity is proof that small actions, when united, can make a difference.
In a world where freedom and justice are proclaimed as universal rights, we cannot stand by while others are denied them. As a town and as individuals, we must continue to act, to speak out, and to remind the world that the fight for Palestine is a fight for humanity. Together, we can be the change, no matter where we live.