Corbally woman starts 100km trek for Palestinian children

A CORBALLY woman has set up a fundraiser to raise funds for Palestinian children, who need “hope of a better life”.

Sophie Cusack Ryan, aged 21, committed to walk 100km through the month of June to raise money for Save the Children, a humanitarian organisation which helps vulnerable children survive. 

The Corbally native, who set up a GoFundMe campaign, said the western world had to do everything in its power, to help save the lives of Palestinians, who are “dying for no reason”.

“I think that every little thing that the western world can do for these innocent people we have to do. Regardless of how large or small the effort is, these people are dying for no reason. We have to give them hope of a better life, the life that they ultimately deserve. They have nothing and we have the power to give them something and to help them,” Sophie said.

“No matter what race, religion, creed you are. What’s going on in this world isn’t right and we need to acknowledge this. We can’t keep ignoring it. We ignored it for 70+ years. It’s time to make a change.”

On May 28, Ireland made the historic decision to recognise the State of Palestine, alongside countries such as Norway and Spain.

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Speaking of Ireland’s acknowledgement of the State of Palestine, the young woman said: “I think it’s a step in the right direction. Ireland has no problem stepping up for what is right because of what this tiny country has been through. While I can’t compare what happened in Ireland over 100 years ago to what is happening in Palestine territory right now, we know the power we have and we know that we must do anything within our power to help them. Big up Ireland.”

On Monday, May 27, Michael Martin condemned the “barbaric” Israeli air strikes that killed at least 45 civilians and left many in critical conditions, targeting tents housing displaced people in Rafah, Gaza.

According to UN officials, around 80% of Gaza’s population have fled their homes, and severe hunger is widespread as many are experiencing famine in parts of the territory.