Thousands participate in torch-lit solidarity march for Gaza in Bursa

The march commenced from Gökdere Square, where participants, holding banners and torches, began their route along Kurtuluş Street. The procession culminated at the Yıldırım Municipality Flag Field. Throughout the march, demonstrators chanted slogans vehemently condemning the massacres perpetrated by Israeli occupation regime.

The event saw the participation of notable figures, including Yıldırım Municipality Mayor Oktay Yılmaz, Özgür-Der President Rıdvan Kaya, and various representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The large turnout and fervent expressions of dissent highlighted the strong local and national opposition to the ongoing violence in Gaza.

Upon reaching the Flag Field, the program transitioned into a religious observance with the reading of the Holy Quran, adding a spiritual dimension to the solidarity march. This was followed by speeches from key figures, further galvanizing the crowd.

Özgür-Der President Rıdvan Kaya delivered a passionate speech, emphasizing the sustained suffering and resilience of the people in Gaza. “The whole world is witnessing the brutal genocide that has entered its ninth month,” Kaya stated. “We have been vocal about this cruelty for eight months, expressing our reaction and condemning the oppression. We must continue to expose and condemn the atrocities committed by the occupation regime and its imperialist supporters, particularly the US and Europe.”

Kaya praised the unyielding resistance of Gaza’s people despite the severe brutality they face. “The people of Gaza and the Kassam Mujahideen of Hamas have shown that they will never submit to oppression,” he said. “Their steadfastness under extreme duress teaches us valuable lessons about resilience and solidarity.”

Reflecting on the broader implications of Gaza's struggle, Kaya underscored the need for continual discourse and action. “We must continue to talk about them, to expose and condemn them at every opportunity. But more importantly, what has the resistance of the people of Gaza taught us in the last eight months? What does it mean for us? What kind of deficiencies has it opened in our mentality, in our lives, in our relationships? First of all, we should think about it and talk about it,” he urged the attendees.

Kaya also noted the global ripple effect of Gaza’s resistance, pointing to protests and reactions worldwide, including in American universities. “Despite the persecution here, despite the efforts to cover it up, the global response, including reactions from universities in America, has shown that the oppressors are being challenged at their core. Gaza has brought the world to its feet,” he remarked.

The event concluded with the recitation of hymns and prayers, leaving participants with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to supporting the people of Gaza. The solidarity march not only served as a protest but also as a unifying event that underscored the enduring strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression. (ILKHA)