London: Christians in Nakba Day March for Palestine

Passionist worker Paschal Somers reports:

The National March for Palestine held on Saturday, 16 May 2026, in London, was a well-supported demonstration that doubled as a commemoration of the Nakba - marking 78 years since the 1948 displacement of Palestinians - and a unified counter - rally against the Far-Right with Tommy Robinson, who had organised a 'Unite the Kingdom' rally in central London on the same day.

Organisers of the Palestinian event estimated that as many as 250,000 turned out to march from Exhibition Road in South Kensington to Pall Mall and Waterloo Place, where politicians and political activists spoke at a closing rally. Speakers emphasised solidarity against Islamophobia, antisemitism, and the division promoted by far-right actors. Notable amongst the speakers were Palestinian artist Hossam Madhoun and Holocaust survivor Stephen Kapos.

The march was an expression of colourful diversity, composed as it was of trade unions, faith organisations, student groups, and multi-generational families. Many wore traditional keffiyeh scarves and carried banners reading 'Stop Arming Israel' and 'Free Palestine.'

The primary focus of the March was to demand an immediate, permanent ceasefire in Gaza, a full arms embargo on Israel, and an end to British complicity in regional violence.

I joined the 'Christians for Palestine' group that had assembled in Prince's Gardens near the start of the march. Shortly before the group stepped into the march behind the 'Jewish Bloc', we prayed together in the late Spring sunshine. Our prayers ended with these words:

God, Creator of all things and of all people, bless us as we seek peace.

Christ, who walked the earth of the Holy Land, march with us today.

Holy Spirit, who strengthens and inspires, go before us. Amen.

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More reports to come.