On the afternoon of Saturday March 2nd, over 300 Peterborough/Nogojiwanong residents gathered in Confederation Square to show support for Palestine in calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

The event was coordinated by members of Nogojiwanong2Palestine as part of a global day of action. Millions across the globe gathered on March 2nd to show solidarity to the people of Palestine as they have been displaced by Israeli forces and forced to Rafah, the most-southern city within the Gaza strip, and presently the most densely-populated urban centre on the planet.

Local Indigenous women welcomed demonstrators with the drumming of the Strong Woman song, recognizing and commemorating the strength of the countless families that remain trapped in the Gaza Strip. 

From members of the Christian Church, to Palestinian students of Trent University, many speakers bravely took centre stage to showcase their opposition to not only the Israeli occupation, but to Canada’s complicity in it as well. 

“Stop the genocide. Call Justin Trudeau 613-941-6900,” one sign read. While the Trudeau government has recently begun supporting the call for a ceasefire, they continue to avoid accountability for the more than $28.5 million in military exports to Israel they have approved since October 7th, 2023. 

One speaker noted how she had lost friends and family for being a Jewish person speaking against the actions of Israel, further recognizing how many people were losing their jobs and livelihoods for publicly speaking out against the occupation. 

“History has no shame,” a poet read, reminiscing on a sleepless night from over 20 years ago in which he saw the aftermath of a Palestinian city that had been bombed by Israel on the television—a harrowing reminder that this conflict has been ongoing for decades. . 

Following the speakers, demonstrators began their march against the traffic of Water Street before coming back up George. Demonstrators were met with a few pro-Isreal supporters, but most traffic stopped by the protest showed support from within their vehicles. Some stopped by the traffic left their cars, following the chants of the protestors. 

Demonstrators chanted “Free Palestine,” “Free Gaza,” and “Ceasefire now” until they had looped back around to City Hall. The rally ended in the streets following another drumming, the performers encouraging everyone to join in with the Strong Woman drum song.

Vigils are held every Monday evening from 4:30–5:30 outside of City Hall. Other Pro-Palestine events and other resources can be found on the Nogojiwanong Palestine Solidarity Instagram account (@nogojiwanong2palestine).