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THE wet and wintery conditions on Sunday were no hindrance to those who attended the 'Draw the Line' vigil for Palestine in Wangaratta.
More than 50 people donning umbrellas and raincoats gathered in King George Gardens, united by their empathy for those suffering and frustration in Australia's leaders for their lack of action.
A heartfelt speech was delivered by organiser Emily Scott, after which, attendees stood in line, shoulder to shoulder and wearing red, to symbolise the line that has been crossed, and the line that they say the government should have drawn more than 600 days ago.
Event spokesperson Jessica Carson said at least seven women had travelled from Beechworth to attend, and another three from Bright.
"All Rural City of Wangaratta councillors were formally invited, but not one responded," Ms Carson said.
"Helen Haines (MHR, Indi) declined the invitation due to prior commitments.
"With more than 50,000 confirmed people killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023, over 15,000 of which are children, the locals that attended shared their sorrows and deep frustration in both our government and those in power across the globe for the little intervention that has seen aid all but cease, countless war crimes committed and thousands of lives lost with seemingly no repercussions for those responsible."
The centrepiece of the peaceful demonstration was a large banner that read: "Draw the Line - There is nothing extreme about opposing genocide".
Ms Scott's speech read:
There is nothing radical about saying Palestinian lives matter.
There is nothing extreme about calling for a ceasefire, for freedom, for justice.
The true extremism lies in the ongoing siege, the mass displacement, the occupation itself.
We are now seeing children starve to death in Gaza.
Not by accident.
By design.
By blockade.
By policy.
And yet, the world looks away.
How many more red lines must be crossed before the world says “enough”?
How many more vigils must we hold before those in power act with courage instead of cowardice?
