Aid Worker Voices

Speech give by Natalia Sendawy 22 October 2024 at the beginning of the Solidarity Walk

Speech give by Natalia Sendawy 22 October 2024 at the beginning of the Solidarity Walk

 

“I would like to start off by saying thank you all for being here today to stand in solidarity with oppressed people around the world. This walk isn’t just about raising awareness but it is a statement of unity in fighting for peace, justice, and the fundamental human rights everyone deserves.

For those of you who do not know me, my name is Natalia and I am half Polish and half Palestinian. As I stand here, I feel a deep, personal connection to this cause. I have family in Gaza, where the people endure a daily reality of siege, occupation, and oppression, yet remain deeply connected to their land and their history. A powerful symbol of this connection is the olive tree.

For Palestinians, the olive tree is more than a source of livelihood; it represents peace, permanence, resistance, and the deep roots that  hold us to our land, even in the face of oppression. These trees have stood for generations, weathering storms, droughts, and conflict, just like the people of Gaza. To me, they remind us of our duty to stay rooted in our values of justice and solidarity.

We are here not just for Palestine, but for all oppressed communities—because their struggles are intertwined just like the roots of an olive tree. Our solidarity makes us more resilient, more hopeful as standing together means we cannot be uprooted.

So as we walk today, let’s remember the olive trees—symbols of peace, hope, and resilience. Let’s carry with us the stories of those who are oppressed, those whose voices need to be amplified. And let’s walk with hope and dignity, knowing that our steps are a part of the journey toward justice.”

 

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