In an unprecedented display of solidarity with the Palestinian people, South Korean civil society groups are organizing a poignant protest, “Shoes of Mourning,” to decry the violence in the Gaza Strip and demand an end to the Israeli occupation. The event, scheduled for November 17, 2023, at the Bosingak Bell Pavilion in Seoul, represents a growing concern among South Koreans about the human cost of the conflict.
A Month of Sorrow
Since October 7, the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 11,000, with countless missing and injured. The majority of the victims are children, women, and the elderly. This staggering number of casualties in one month has alarmed international observers and prompted urgent calls for a ceasefire.
The Shoe Protest
Organized by “Korean Civil Society in Solidarity with Palestine,” the protest will feature 2,000 pairs of shoes representing each victim lost in the recent violence. The shoes, collected from all over South Korea, symbolize the personal stories and dignity of each life lost. “These are not just numbers; they were someone’s family, friends, a universe unto themselves,” said Lee Ji-won, an organizer with the Peace and Disarmament Center of People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy.
Day of Mourning
The day-long event will begin with the installation of the shoes, followed by a press conference at 10 AM. The evening will culminate in a “Night of Remembrance,” including speeches, performances, poetry readings, and the writing of postcards to be sent to the Israeli embassy, expressing the collective grief and calls for peace.
International Call to Action
The situation in Gaza, exacerbated by Israel’s blockade, has led to shortages of food, water, fuel, electricity, and medicine. Hospitals, schools, and refugee camps have not been spared from the bombings. The United Nations and the international community have repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire, but these pleas have so far gone unanswered.
A Unified Voice
The protest in Seoul aims to amplify the voices of ordinary South Koreans who have expressed their solidarity with Palestine. From elementary schools to churches, from Jeju Island to Gangwon Province, people have come together to donate shoes and messages of hope and peace.
A Global Plea for Humanity
As the world grapples with conflicts and divisions, the “Shoes of Mourning” protest in Seoul transcends borders, serving as a poignant reminder of the universal longing for peace and dignity. It stands as a testament to the power of collective empathy and the enduring hope for a world where freedom and peace are not just aspirations but realities for all, including the people of Palestine. This gathering in Seoul is not just a symbolic gesture but a clarion call for global action, urging leaders and communities worldwide to recognize the humanity behind the numbers and to work tirelessly towards a future where such tragedies are a distant memory.
