On Sunday, 24 August, Wangaratta’s King George Gardens became a focal point of peaceful activism as more than 150 people came together to stand in solidarity with Palestinians according to organisers.

The gathering, organised by North East Mums for Peace, echoed the largest pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Australia’s history - held that same day across more than 40 cities and towns.

This Wangaratta rally attracted people from Beechworth, Bright, and even as far as the Blue Mountains.

Dressed in red to symbolise the bloodshed and the moral lines already crossed, the attendees met in an atmosphere of solemn resolve.

Emily Scott delivered a powerful speech to the crowd.

“Israel kills 28 children every single day in Palestine," she said.

"Israel is using starvation as a weapon of war… a calculated policy to weaken, humiliate, and erase a population.

"This is genocide, funded by its allies, enabled by silence.

"But breaking silence is the only moral choice we have left.

"And we will not stop until Palestine is free.

"Free, free Palestine.”

The group then marched around the block; chanting, and bearing banners calling for an immediate ceasefire, an end to arms sales, and accountability from both Australian leaders and Israel.