Stoke Quakers raise money with a Peace walk with Samud Palestine in June
In late June, Sumud Palestine and Stoke Quaker Meeting came together to Walk for Peace. They met at the Friends Meeting House at Newcastle under Lyme and set off on a circular walk taking in Brampton Park. The purpose of the walk was to raise money for social justice charities in Palestine and Israel.
Two projects were chosen – one Palestinian and one Israeli - the Palestine Trauma Centre (PTC) and the Israeli Committee against House Demolitions (ICAHD). They were chosen as they are exemplars of a social justice approach.
Angela Glendenning, founder of Samud Palestine and member of Stoke Quaker Meeting, comments: “I know these projects well. Both are rock solid and not a penny is wasted. The PTC is finding ways to support families and children amidst the carnage, and in May, ICAHD took a group with a mental health professional on a successful study tour of Israel and the West Bank. Palestinians welcome visitors, urging them to 'Tell them how it is' when they return home."
Films showing the work of the PTC and the ICAHD were shown at the Meeting House and many people took the opportunity to find out more over refreshments after the walk.
The event was supported by The Extra Guest and Newcastle Unitarians and was well attended.