Message of solidarity with Gaza projected onto Cliffs of Moher by Irish artists

A group of Irish artists and filmmakers projected an image of solidarity with the people of Gaza onto the Cliffs of Moher in Co. Clare last night.

The group, From Ireland With Love, is made up of lighting technicians, event organisers, photographers, artists, filmmakers and humanitarian workers - along with local residents of Co. Clare.

The image was projected on to the side of the cliffs as "a visual message of care" after the 11-day aerial bombardment of Gaza by Israeli forces.

Organised with the assistance of local farmers, the projection was also intended to raise awareness for a medical and humanitarian relief fundraiser for Gaza.

From Ireland to #Gaza With Love 💜 Last night we projected our solidarity onto the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Ireland.

To those who grieve, survive, and teach life in Gaza, and throughout Palestine- we see you. #GazawithLove https://t.co/Iuxc25PG0U

📷 Gavin Gallagher pic.twitter.com/yN49wRwnBY

— Caoimhe Butterly (@CaoimheButterly) June 2, 2021

Over 240 Palestinians were killed in the violence, amongst them 68 children, and over 1,900 women, men and children seriously injured.

According to the group, the image was conceptualised as an addition to existent human rights and political advocacy and humanitarian support initiatives organised throughout Ireland.

The image is a symbol of both grief and empathy, and was particularly dedicated to children in Gaza, both those have been killed and those who survived the deaths of the rest of their families.

In particular, the projection was dedicated to survivors 6 year-old Suzy Ishkontana, 5-month-old Omar al-Hadidi and 10-year-old Aziz Al-Kolak. It is also dedicated to Rola, Hala and Yara Al-Kolak, all under 12 years old, who had been receiving trauma and psycho-social supports via the Norwegian Refugee council before their recent deaths.

Many of those involved in the From Ireland with Love group had spent time in Gaza as documentary filmmakers and as volunteers. After seeing the recent destruction in Gaza, they decided to organise a symbolic image of solidarity from Ireland.

One of the organisers, yoga teacher and documentary filmmaker Dearbhla Glynn - who lives near the cliffs of Moher - has spent time in Gaza.

Speaking about the project, Glynn said, "We wanted to add to the responses already organised across the country, using the medium of visual art. Through the image on the Cliffs of Moher, we wanted to project our solidarity, love and grief, for those who were killed and those who survived. Many of us felt so helpless watching the news from Gaza unfold, and this was a way to do something- even symbolic."

The Ireland Solidarity with Gaza fundraiser can be found here.

Read more on the conflict in Gaza in the Hot Press Palestinian Voices series here.

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Gaza 💚 was projected onto Ireland’s famous landmark, the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. From Ireland With Love ♥️ #GazawithLove #Gaza #Palestine #SaveSheikhJarrah
Thank you @CaoimheButterly and the team https://t.co/ETgVBNc66O
📷 Gavin Gallagher pic.twitter.com/gL3UeW7lzJ

— Razan Ibraheem (رزان) (@RazanIRL) June 2, 2021