Haringey activist continues 16-mile in support of Palestine

Ansar Ahmed Ullah
Contributing Editor,Shottobani

London: For many, Saturday’s pro-Palestine demonstration in central London began with a train or bus journey. For Haringey resident Hussain Ahmed Hira, it began with a walk.

The Bengalis for Palestine activist walked from his home in Haringey to the demonstration before making the journey back on foot, covering an estimated 15 to 16 miles in total. It is a tradition he has maintained for many of the London Palestine marches since October 2023.

Joining tens of thousands of demonstrators from across the country, Hira marched alongside fellow members of Bengalis for Palestine, who were among those calling for an end to the violence in Gaza and relief for Palestinian civilians.

“We demonstrated because we care and because we want an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people,” Hira said.

Explaining why he continues to make the lengthy journey on foot, he added: “I walk because it’s my small way of showing solidarity with the people of Palestine. Compared with the hardship and suffering they have endured, it is a small personal sacrifice.”

Depending on where the march begins, Hira’s route changes slightly. The walk to Hyde Park is around five miles, while marches starting at Russell Square involve a journey of approximately three-and-a-half miles each way. Including the return journey, his participation typically involves walking around 15 or 16 miles.

Saturday’s march attracted tens of thousands of participants carrying Palestinian flags and placards calling for a ceasefire, increased humanitarian aid, and renewed international efforts to bring the conflict to an end. The demonstration was peaceful, with police overseeing the route through central London.

For Hira, however, the walk has become more than just a journey to a protest. It is a personal expression of solidarity that he has repeated consistently since the conflict escalated nearly three years ago, reflecting his belief that every individual has a responsibility to speak out against human suffering and support the pursuit of peace.