Hearts united, side by side, a wave charged with emotion to support those paying with their lives for the violation of international humanitarian rights, a human river against indifference and to condemn the savagery of the genocide taking place in the Gaza Strip. This morning, the humanitarian march passed through the city of Porto Torres, from the Basilica of San Gavino to the Aragonese Tower, composed and orderly, steps united under the cry of "Free Palestine" and "Stop the massacre of Palestinians."
The crowd of participants included citizens, students, and teachers, along with volunteer associations, the Emergency group, the Focolare Movement, Doctors Without Borders, and spontaneous groups who draped the peace demonstration in Palestinian flags. The impressive procession also included Mayor Massimo Mulas, several representatives of the city administration, and business leaders. "The men and women of the Flotilla sailing to Gaza are risking their lives; they deserve our support, because they demonstrate great civility and humanity," said Monsignor Salvatore Masia, parish priest of the Basilica of San Gavino. Students from the De Amicis school also showed their concern, holding peace banners and expressing solidarity with the people of Gaza as the procession passed.
Colorful banners reading "We are here to leave footprints, not scars" gave voice to the desire for solidarity, a mobilization aimed at denouncing the ongoing humanitarian tragedy in Gaza and forcefully calling for an immediate ceasefire. A minute of silence was held at the foot of the Aragonese Tower, where war sirens were simulated, urging the population to seek refuge when enemy attacks are imminent. This was followed by openness to reflections, thoughts, and discussions on peace and hope. "No political affiliation, no preference on the part of the ecclesial community," said Father Michele Murgia, parish priest of the Church of Christ the Risen.
"Don't be tempted by this corruption. Keep your hearts free, your minds clear, and your hands active to say that no provocation that seeks to silence or lead to controversy has the right to be expressed. Anyone who has to say no to something serious, especially what the media portrays, will always have our support." Mayor Mulas said: "When politics is incapable of silencing weapons and violence, it should have the decency to remain silent. A mechanism is developing where politics tends to valorize our differences, to take sides, but don't do this when someone carries out inhumane and violent acts against others." Speaking at the microphone were one of the demonstration's promoters, Celestina Masia, music teacher Chiara Mannu, sports high school teacher Zaira Zingone, and Giovanni Salis, known for his civic engagement. "There are commercial companies complicit in the politics of genocide and war that have lost all humanity and civic sense, and if you want to exercise your precious power, don't buy certain products," is the invitation, a tool to defend human rights and weaken violence, eradicating the inhuman power exercised over a devastated people, who have seen horror and desperation in the eyes of so many children, killed by the thousands.