Around 75 people braved the cold weather and joined the longest night vigil and service earlier this evening. I am overwhelmed by the turnout and the positive response of all participants and the cars beeping in support as they drove by. It was a wonderful night of solidarity.  

We had reporters there from Channel3000 and channel 27 as well as a freelance reporter. Please send me links if you come across news videos or written stories. 

Here is a link to the photos Adam took. 

Kind regards,
Stephanie 

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Last evening many Mennonites and others braved the cold and dropping temperatures to protest the continuing Genocide in Gaza.  Here are images taken during the two hour vigil.  Individuals and organizations are free to download their images and post on their choice of social media.

Photos by Kent Sweitzer

Peace,
Kent
Kent A. Sweitzer, Freelance Photographer

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West Lawn Plaza near Trader Joe’s 
1810 Monroe St, Madison
4 – 6 pm

You are invited to join us for an Interfaith “Longest Night” Gaza Vigil.

The “Longest Night” is a service that has taken place in the Christian tradition on Winter Solstice, just a few days before Christmas. It began to help those who are struggling during the Advent and Christmas season.

In this holiday season, we feel despair over the suffering and immense loss of life that has resulted from 14 months of a genocidal campaign against the people of Gaza and relentless attacks on Palestinian residents of the West Bank by Israel.

Here in Madison, our vigil and service will provide space for diverse communities of faith and conscience to stand together in grief and to call for an end to US support for the Israeli attacks on Gaza and the West Bank, an end to US offensive weapons shipments to Israel and restoration of humanitarian aid to the people who are homeless, without food, clean water or medical care in Gaza.

We will hear from representatives of the Muslim, Jewish and Christian faiths. Professor Samer Alatout, a Palestinian, will also speak.

Please bring signs, banners, and flashlights or battery powered candles, and dress warmly.

Co-sponsored by the Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ – Palestine Justice Mission Team, Friends Meeting of Madison (Quakers), the Interfaith Peace Working Group, Jewish Voice for Peace, Mennonite Action Madison, and Madison Mennonite Church