25/03/2024 - Charity event raises £5k for medical aid for Gaza

The charity provides immediate medical aid to those in great need, while also developing local capacity and skills to ensure the long-term development of the Palestinian healthcare system.

Despite it being a small event more than £5,000 was raised in less than 2 hours which will go straight to the charity and used to support those caught up in the crisis.

The catering for the event was donated by local charity Community Interest Luton.

Cllr Hanif said: “I would like to thank everyone who came along last night and gave so generously. Luton has always been a town where people do what they can to help others who are less fortunate themselves.

“Last night was yet another testament to this with people giving what they can to help alleviate the suffering of those caught up in the awful conflict in Gaza. We all just pray for peace in the region and the end of the suffering of innocent people.

The Palestinian flag was flown from the town hall to mark the charity event and in solidarity with all those impacted by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Cllr Hazel Simmons, Leader of Luton Council, said: “We are absolutely horrified at the killing and suffering and share the deep anger and upset being felt across our communities at what is taking place in front of our eyes. Communities across the town are appalled at what they are seeing as it is absolutely horrific and inhumane.

“Our communities have always been at the forefront of efforts to do all they can to bring an end to the crisis and help raise much needed funds for humanitarian relief – and they showed this last night by digging deep into their pockets to support those in desperate need.

“The messages we have heard from Luton’s communities is clear – our town wants an immediate ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages and the immediate end of and withdrawal of settlements from the West Bank.

“In the first full council meeting after the conflict broke out councillors from all three political parties called for an immediate ceasefire. Our community is deeply impacted by what has happened and we have done our best to ensure their voices are represented and have continued to do so ever since.

“The strongest message we can send is a united voice from Luton demanding an end to the violence and suffering of so many innocent people.”

To donate directly go to Medical Aid for Palestinians.

Follow this link for details of other charities and causes to help people caught up in the conflict in the region.