Responses to ‘Christmas Under the Rubble’ Vigil Held for Palestine on the High Street

1. Simon Higgins Reply

   December 24, 2025 at 3:07 pm

   Jesus was a Palestinian Jew born and living under Roman occupation. Today’s Palestinians live under the brutal occupation by Israel.

   This event reflected the history and ongoing illegal occupation of the Palestine and the indigenous population.
2. Francesca French Reply

   December 24, 2025 at 3:22 pm

   It’s good to know that people believe in humanity despite our leaders.
3. R Callaghan Reply

   December 24, 2025 at 6:16 pm

   Thanks to WSPSC for organising such a moving vigil last Saturday. It perfectly captured the depth of feeling that many of us are experiencing, by highlighting the fact that the basic necessities of life are still severely restricted, with barely anything getting through to the people of Gaza during these terrible winter months.

   The speakers words were full of empathy and compassion, and I also appreciated how the young hunger strikers being held on remand, awaiting trial, in UK prisons were honoured. As we all celebrate the festive season with our families, we realise how much we have, while others are deprived of their freedom, dignity and humanity. I hope to attend many more actions in our community. Well done WSPSC!
4. Russell Clark Reply

   December 24, 2025 at 10:19 pm

   What a powerfully visceral message to cut through all the spin put out there by the Israeli government – the most morally perverted institution in the world.

   As a Surrey resident, I feel represented by actions such as these, and that there is hope in this country that is still even now supplying arms to a genocidal military.
5. Francesca Stern Reply

   December 26, 2025 at 1:19 pm

   Simon Higgins should note that according to the bible, Jesus was born in Judea. Palestine did not then exist.

   All those supporting the pro-Palestine movement should remember October 7th and that Hamas are terrorists elected by Palestinians.

   Gaza is in the state it is in because of what Hamas did on October 7th. In the face of the response by Israel, Hamas hid in hospitals and used women and children as shields.

   Both sides propagate misinformation but Hamas is by far the worst. In World War 2, 66 per cent of the Jewish population in Europe were wiped out by the Nazis.

   And for those feeling sorry for Palestine, ask yourself why neighbouring Arab countries are not rushing to provide aid.
   • Simon Higgins Reply

     December 28, 2025 at 7:15 pm

     Francesca Stern fails to mention October 6th, 5th, 4th 3rd and every preceding day, week, month and year going back 77 years to 1948 when the Zionist militia, led by David Ben Gurion murdered thousands of indigenous Palestinians, destroyed their homes, towns, villages and displaced over three quarters of a million people.

     Since then the Israeli state, currently led by wanted war criminal, Benjamin Netanyahu has continued the practice of ethnic cleansing. In 2021 there were an estimated 9.1 million displaced Palestinians worldwide.

     Israel has illegally occupied the West Bank since 1967. Over half a million illegal settlers with the full backing of their government have murdered Palestinian families, destroyed their homes and stolen their land.
   • Martyn James Reply

     December 29, 2025 at 11:41 pm

     There is only one solution to the stupidity that is happening: democracy. Not democracy just for Jews but for all people who live in the land. Just give Palestinians equal rights.

     Two states can’t happen because of Jewish settlements. One land with democracy. How hard is that?
   • Lottie Brown Reply

     December 30, 2025 at 12:31 pm

     Thanks to Fracesca Stern for exposing how easy it is to dehumanise others and the dangers that come when governments ignore the tenets of international law as well as showing us how important it is to learn about history and to weigh up the hasbara, or propaganda, which certainly needs unpicking.

     Most importantly, Jesus was a refugee who was displaced by conflict. Surely the message of Christmas -and any religion- show us that nothing justifies the killing of thousands of people and most importantly, innocent children. And that no life is worth more than another’s.
   • William Francis Reply

     December 31, 2025 at 7:00 pm

     Even if we accepted that everything started one day 2+ years ago (ignoring the 73 year history of occupation) would that make the utter destruction and mass killing that has happened since acceptable?

     Is it OK to kill 20,000 children and mutilate many more because “they started it”?

     Collective punishment of a whole population for the crimes of a small minority is a war crime.

     Can the deliberate starvation of a whole population be justified?

     Intentionally withholding food or medicine from a population is a war crime.

     Let us hope that 2026 brings a solution that will allow both sets of people to live together or alongside each other peacefully.

     May it also bring a tiny spark of humanity into the stoniest of hearts.
6. Rebecca Cullen Reply

   December 29, 2025 at 1:30 pm

   A respectful gathering of Surrey residents of different faiths, ages and backgrounds. This was depicted by all readers who spoke their truth, with personal experiences backed by research and evidence.

   It is worrying to see claims pertaining to October 7th without context.

   For those who attended this peaceful vigil and listened to the speakers, there were opportunities for healthy debate. Many passersby stopped to speak with those in attendance. If you were not at the vigil then I suggest they come along to the next. Choose love, not hate…
7. Sara Haque Reply

   December 29, 2025 at 4:51 pm

   I have to say well done to the people that highlight the parts of history that we brush over – you are the best of society. It’s heartwarming to know there are good humans out there