Well, what a turnout. Lismore did us proud with a strong local show of Northern Rivers dissatisfaction at the government’s ill-informed decision to invite Herzog to Australia. His presence felt uncalled for – and judging by the crowd, plainly unwelcome.
One of the most inspiring moments was hearing from Surya McEwen from Mullumbimby who was aboard the last flotilla that attempted to deliver food and medicines to a distressed Palestine, only to be turned back.
He’s now calling for anyone able to join them in a few months, when a much larger flotilla intends to head back.
The display that hit hardest, though, was the long list of children’s names and ages – all under 17, including many babies and toddlers – killed by the bombs of Zionist Israel’s IDF.
The population of the West Bank and Gaza before October 7 was around 5.5 million – roughly the same as Sydney.
What also stood out was the tone: the turnout was bigger than expected, yet the event remained calm, with no police presence in sight.
That contrast matters, especially when compared with Sydney, where videos circulating on social media appear to show police escalating tensions, then framing protestors as the problem.
People here aren’t watching from the sidelines. For local Rainer, his heart is well and truly with the Palestinians. He regularly attends the Nimbin Save Palestine presence at the Nimbin Markets on Wednesdays, quietly showing up, week after week.
Lismore turned up with a strong intent and a clear message that our community is paying attention and is willing to act!
