Mural to Palestinian girl killed in Gaza placed next to Joe Biden mural in Ballina
Protestors in Ballina calling for a ceasefire in Gaza wave Palestine flags under a mural of Hind Rajab at Market Square in close proximity to the mural of US President Joe Biden
Protestors in Ballina calling for a ceasefire in Gaza are hoping that a mural dedicated to a young Palestinian girl placed next to the mural of Joe Biden will send a ‘clear message’ to his administration regarding their role in the ongoing conflict
A mural of Hind Rajab was erected at Market Square last week just a few feet away from the mural of the current US President. Hind was a six-year-old Palestinian girl who was killed by the Israeli Defence Forces in January of this year during an attack on the Gaza Strip.
The mural hits out at President Biden for the role he has played in the conflict with the message; “Joe Biden sent billions of dollars to Israel to murder me and thousands like me. I watched my family die. My last words were; ‘I am so scared, please come get me’ but they killed my rescuers too."
Debbie McCole, a local protestor involved in creating the Hind Rajab mural, said that it is ‘understandable’ why Ballina would have previously wanted to celebrate its ties with Joe Biden but said it is clear now he does not share Ballina’s values when it comes to the conflict in Gaza.
“There has been a lot of discontent around the Biden mural, particularly since October 7 last year when the genocide in Palestine was taken up by several notches.”
“I understand why it went up intially. Why wouldn’t you take pride in a US President having a connection to your area? But in the past while, Joe Biden has made it clear where he stands on this issue.”
She said protestors wanted to send a clear message to Joe Biden with the erection of the Hind Rajab mural.
“We are ashamed with his actions, it does not align with our values in Ballina. We do not agree with funding and giving political cover for a genocide. How dare he talk proudly about his roots in Ballina."
Ms McCole said that as a mother to young children herself, Hind’s story has particular resonance.
“We want to show the humanity of the Palestinians and unfortunately, we could have chosen tens of thousands of children, men and women to be the face of this mural.”
“I remember hearing the story about Hind’s tragic murder, I was shocked and appalled.” She urged anyone who feels similarly regarding the situation in Gaza to attend the weekly ‘bridge vigils’ held every Friday at 5pm on the Ham Bridge in Ballina.
“There is a positive atmosphere on the bridge every Friday with people finding support and showing solidarity. It is a community effort and one that is completely apolitical.”
“We have had local politicians join us in the past and I would hope that all politicians come down at some point, this is an issue that goes beyond party lines,” she said.
