Orkney will join with an event in Washington DC and around the world on Saturday 30th of March when it takes part in a magnificent festival of kite flying as part of Kites for Gaza.
In 2011, more than 12,000 children in Gaza flew kites on the beach, setting a new world record for most kites flown simultaneously. Devastatingly, more children have been killed in the first five months of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza than flew kites in 2011.
In Washington DC organisers will be flying 44 white kites in honour of the late Professor Refaat Alareer’s and his poem ‘If I Must Die.’
In Orkney, anyone who wishes to take part can do so in person by coming along to the Vigil on Saturday 30th March on the steps of St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall, between 1 and 2pm. They can bring with them kites either to fly or to hold, this could be in the form of posters. Some kites will then be getting flown after the vigil at The Peedie Sea where there is plenty of space for a good display of kite flying.
People can also take part online. Be sure to tag AFSC (American Friends Service Committee) on Facebook, X, Instagram, or TikTok and use the hashtag #KitesForGaza Kites of all kinds are welcome, whether they are meant to fly or are part of an art installation.
Don’t have a kite and want to make one? Click on this link: Easy Paper Kite for Kids
And here’s a video tutorial for Kite Making: https://www.instagram.com/kitesinsolidarity/p/CzWqlZyN71B/
The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organisation
The Orkney News will be filming the event and posting pictures. We’ll be posting on our social media pages:
If I must die
by Refaat Alareer (1979 - 2023)
If I must die,
you must live
to tell my story
to sell my things
to buy a piece of cloth
and some strings,
(make it white with a long tail)
so that a child, somewhere in Gaza
while looking heaven in the eye
awaiting his dad who left in a blaze–
and bid no one farewell
not even to his flesh
not even to himself–
sees the kite, my kite you made, flying up above
and thinks for a moment an angel is there
bringing back love
If I must die
let it bring hope
let it be a tale
Categories: Local News
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