A showing of a documentary about the ongoing war in Gaza drew a strong crowd at Kyabram’s Plaza Theatre last week.
On Tuesday, July 23, more than 55 people gathered at the Plaza Theatre to watch The Last Sky, a documentary about the war in Gaza and the long-standing conflict between Palestine and Israel.
Made by Lebanese-Australian lawyer Nicholas Hanna and filmed in Lebanon and occupied Palestine, The Last Sky explores the conflict in Gaza and seeks to answer the hard-hitting questions about the war between Israel and Palestine.
Event organiser Hilary Grigg said she wanted to organise a fundraiser to raise money for Palestine Australia Relief and Action (PARA).
“I feel like I wake up every day and am confronted with all of these horrible images and stories of what’s happening to the Palestinians living in Gaza and in the West Bank,” she said.
“I wanted to bring the community together on this issue and also raise awareness about it because I think if there are people in the community like me that may not have known all of this until the genocide started, they might not have known what has been going on in Palestine for the past 78 years.
“It’s really nice to know that there are people in our community who feel sad and determined to do something about what’s happening over in Gaza.”
In attendance were people from all walks of life — young and old, those more knowledgeable about the conflict and those looking to learn more.
Ms Grigg said it was great to see a good mix of people from around the community come together and have conversations about the situation.
“Whether it's just talking about it more with friends or donating to organisations that will help, or prompting people to get in touch with their local politician, email the prime minister and say, ‘We want you to speak for us’ — it all helps” she said.
“A screening might not seem like much, but it reminded me of how strong and mighty our small community are if we can band together.”
The screening raised more than $500 for PARA through ticket sales alone.
Ms Grigg said she was working towards having a screening in Shepparton next.