Suche
Mein Konto
Successful gala in Gelsenkirchen: 11,000 euros for Gaza solidarity!
On November 2, 2025, a successful gala in support of Palestine took place in Gelsenkirchen, offering international solidarity.
Successful gala in Gelsenkirchen: 11,000 euros for Gaza solidarity!
The gala in the cultural hall of the Horster Mitte in Gelsenkirchen, which took place on November 2nd, 2025, was a great success. Initially 300 participants were expected, but the event ultimately attracted 450 adults and many children, almost reaching the 500-person limit. In addition, 300 registrations were registered for the international live stream, which was watched by an impressive 4,000 viewers. In total, the organizers were able to raise 11,409.39 euros in donations and revenue, with 11,109.39 euros collected during the gala.
Jaffa, a Palestinian activist, and Monika Gärtner-Engel from the MLPD spoke at the opening. Jaffa expressed its warm thanks for the solidarity and recalled the ongoing military occupation of Palestine. Gärtner-Engel emphasized the need for a strong international solidarity movement and presented two important projects: the establishment of a non-partisan form of organization for Palestine solidarity and a health center in Gaza, which, however, cannot be implemented immediately due to the restrictions imposed by the Israeli army.
Commitment and solidarity
A central theme of the gala was the search for more solidarity from the city of Gelsenkirchen. City councilor Jan Specht openly criticized the city for its lack of commitment to Gaza. The evening was accompanied by music from the rebel, who moved those present with his song “Gaza tonight”. Over 20 Gaza Solidarity Working Groups have already been established, demonstrating growing support for the cause.
A moving video, which was not shown in German media, presented shocking images from Gaza. A representative from Al Awda Hospital also expressed gratitude to the participants and drew attention to the destruction of the healthcare system in Gaza. Jaffa impressively described the catastrophic situation in the West Bank, which is also suffering from occupation.
Establishment of a solidarity organization
The gala ended with a unanimous call to found a nationwide, non-partisan solidarity organization, for which 34 participants have already declared their membership. Ute Kellert from the federal board of Solidarity International supported this establishment, which was decided on December 14th at a founding meeting. The evening was rounded off musically by the bands Ram and Earwash, who performed songs about international solidarity.
The gala not only provided a space for important political discussions, but also culinary delights from Palestinian cuisine and cultural performances in the form of dances and poems. The live stream of the gala will also remain available so that even more people can learn about the important issues surrounding Palestine solidarity.
In addition, international support for Palestinians is becoming increasingly important. A note from Austria shows the broad movement that has come together behind this solidarity. At a nationwide meeting, it was emphasized that Zionism should be rejected as a racist, nationalist and colonialist ideology. The fight for equal rights for all people in historic Palestine is a common goal in this movement.
The gala demonstrated once again how strong the interest and willingness to show solidarity with the Palestinians is, and it remains to be seen what further initiatives will emerge from this unconditional support.