I was deeply saddened to read the Palestinian activist Subhi Awad Is leaving the coast after multiple organised attacks.
In Sydney, I work with many Jews who carried their own suffering from the Gaza war. They aim for peace. They are loving generous people who deplore war.
In mid-December I attended a demonstration in Byron Bay supporting peace in Palestine, and appealing to stop the ongoing slaughter of children with white phosphorus explosives. The demo was hindered by police from the beginning before activists had unpacked their watermelon for the Byron community.
Police stated ‘We hear there is trouble here?’ I immediately retorted, ‘This is a peace demonstration’. I witnessed the arrival of men and women spitting on the symbolic bandages of bloodied children. Provocative standover men emanating terrifying standover gazes. Intentional chaos was the aim. Hatred is the spiritual malignancy of our species. A cancer that destroys minds, bodies, cultures and nations.
Subhi and Áine walk in peace. You are brave, sing loud. Never forgotten.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
