On the first day of the new year, we participated in the march held at the Galata Bridge to draw attention to the humanitarian drama in Palestine and to express our call for solidarity strongly, together with our youth, volunteers, and administrators. In the gathering that took place with the participation of thousands on a cold and snowy morning in Istanbul, we once again expressed that we stand by the Palestinian people.

Istanbul gathered for Palestine

Before the march, which was supported by many civil society organizations from across Turkey, Istanbul's mosques were filled during the morning prayer. After the prayers, crowds walked to the Galata Bridge accompanied by prayers and takbirs, standing together with Turkish and Palestinian flags. Despite the cold, the hundreds of thousands who filled the area sent a strong message that we will not remain silent against what is happening in Palestine.

Our young volunteers were on the ground

Throughout the march, our youth aged TÜRGEV and our volunteers not only participated in the processions but also took an active role in the organizations on the ground. Our volunteers, who accompanied the elderly, women, and children, provided support at the warm refreshment points and distributed informative materials about the ongoing situation in Palestine. Thus, we collectively witnessed the response of our youth's moral sensitivity on the ground.

"We are here for Gaza because our hearts are there"

After the march, our Board Chair, Attorney Hatice Akıncı Yılmaz, described the scene at the Galata Bridge as "the meeting point of conscience" and shared the following statements:

"On the first morning of the new year, being here despite this cold weather has a very profound meaning. In Gaza, mothers, fathers, and children are struggling to survive without even the most basic needs. Being here today is a declaration that we have not forgotten Palestine and that we are followers of this cause."

The President also emphasized the great importance of this call of conscience rising from Turkey at a time when silence on the Palestinian issue is increasing worldwide.

Our solidarity will continue

As the speeches and prayers concluded, the march came to an end, and we have strongly expressed our solidarity with the Palestinian people. The message given on the first day of the new year once again showed how alive the sense of responsibility for humanity is in our society.

As TÜRGEV, we thank each of our volunteers who are devoted to the Palestinian cause with the conscientious stance of our youth; we share with the public that we will continue this solidarity for justice and humanity.