Palestinian flag flown outside Dudley Council House ahead of candlelight vigil

Today (November 29) is International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People as recognised by the United Nations. In 1947 the UN voted to partition Palestine and create the modern nation of Israel.  

Though Dudley Council have not organised any official festivities Dudley Palestine Solidarity Group decided to mark the day by themselves.

The group, which has been established for fourteen years, invited all seventy-one serving councillors in Dudley to the vigil. Shakeela Bibi hoisted the Palestinian flag this afternoon and will lead a minute's silence for those killed in recent Middle East military action.

A spokesperson for Dudley Palestine Solidarity Group said “At a time when the Palestinian people are subject to imaginable horrors, we are delighted that the people of Dudley will have an opportunity to express their solidarity with them. 

"We have invited every single councillor in the borough to participate and anticipate cross party attendance, based on the number of positive responses we have received." 

Former Independent council candidate Ms Bibi added: "The event will also see a diverse congregation from Dudley’s interfaith networks which will be fitting as, while Palestine is central to our activism, we at Dudley Palestine Solidarity Group oppose oppression and genocide wherever it may occur.

"If local people can show that we have more in common than divides us, then hopefully our wider political leadership will take note and follow suit."