Buncrana man John Cutliffe and a young friend in Gaza.
Gaza City may be nearly 3,000 miles away from Buncrana but the tragic events happening there have been brought into sharp focus in our homes daily through our TV screens and social media.
Even though many miles separate us we cannot ignore the pain and suffering of the inhabitants of the besieged city, especially innocent civilians, caught up in the deadly struggle between Hamas and the Israeli defence forces.
And they don’t come any more innocent than children, hundreds of whom have been killed and many thousands injured from the fierce Israeli onslaught.
For several weeks now Buncrana native John Cutliffe has been doing what he can to make life more bearable for the kids being treated in Jerusalem hospitals.
His daily posts on social media show how desperate things are for the kids and the shortage of supplies in the hospitals. Musician John decided that in their time of need who better to turn to than the good people of Inishowen and his friends in the entertainment world. So Plaza for Gaza was born!
On Saturday, September 6th the Plaza will be rocking to the rafters when bands and performers from near and far will take to the stage to present a musical extravaganza.
Everything from jazz to trad to rock to folk will be heard on the night and a few surprises will be in store too! Headline act is the highly acclaimed Honor Heffernan and her band with popular local acts Larry and The Ladyboy’s, Don’t Fear The Natives, Studio 47 dance group, and the Passion Fruit Club DJs. More acts will be confirmed nearer the date but that’s an impressive line-up to be getting on with!
All of the performers and organisers are giving their time for free and all proceeds from the night are going directly to the hospitals in Jerusalem. Indeed, Honor Heffernan is also kindly donating the proceeds from sales of her CD on the night to the fund.
The money raised will all go to buy much needed equipment, medical supplies, toys and aid for the injured kids many of whom have lost everything. Tickets are on sale in a range of outlets throughout Buncrana and Inishowen or simply pay at the door on the night.
An account has been opened in Buncrana Credit Union and all proceeds from Plaza for Gaza will be lodged there. After the big event the money will be electronically transferred to the bank accounts of hospitals in Jerusalem treating sick and injured children.
The organisers are appealing for any businesses or individuals out there who want to help or contribute in any way to get in touch either through our Facebook page, Plaza for Gaza or Twitter @plazaforgaza.
For example, one salon in Carn has offered to donate their takings on the day to the fund and other businesses have kindly offered items for raffle prizes. All donations and sponsorship will be gladly accepted and acknowledged.
Please share our page to spread the word about the upcoming event in the Plaza Buncrana.
The organisers are keen to point out that there is no political agenda here and the sole purpose of the event is to raise much-needed funds for innocent children.
This is guaranteed to be a great night of music and a brilliant opportunity to make a meaningful and direct impact on the lives of those who have been injured, bereaved or displaced because of the crisis in Gaza.
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