From Pembrokeshire to Palestine, Wales sends a message of solidarity
ABERYSTWYTH was turned red on Saturday (July 26) as hundreds of people from across Wales, including a strong Pembrokeshire contingent, came together to form a striking ‘Red Line’ through the seaside town in a bold show of solidarity with the people of Palestine.
Protesters dressed in red clothing gathered at 2:00pm at Owain Glyndŵr Square, marching through the town to the iconic bandstand on the promenade, carrying Palestinian flags, placards, and a continuous red fabric line. The message was clear: Wales stands against Israel’s bombardment of Gaza and calls for an end to what campaigners describe as “Israeli apartheid.”
Many attendees wore keffiyehs, waved Cuban flags in solidarity, and held signs reading “From Cymru to Palestine, we are the Red Line,” with Amnesty International “End Israeli Apartheid” badges and slogans prominent.
Mayor joins the march
The Mayor of Aberystwyth, Cllr Emlyn Jones, took part in the march wearing his chain of office, standing proudly in front of the town’s ceremonial banner. He led a large section of the parade, walking alongside fellow councillors and campaigners, adding official weight to the growing Welsh solidarity movement.
Other participants included people from Haverfordwest, Fishguard, and Milford Haven, who travelled to the event by car and train to show support for the cause.
A police presence was visible, with a large number of officers from Dyfed-Powys on duty, but the mood remained peaceful and determined throughout.
Protest route and symbolism
The carefully planned route (as seen on distributed maps) began at the square near Owain Glyndŵr’s statue and wound through the town centre, ending at the seafront. Organisers said the red fabric line represented the “moral boundary” that must not be crossed – referencing the growing number of civilian casualties and what they see as the failure of Western governments to intervene meaningfully.
Shops and businesses along the route remained open, with some even stepping out to show support. Benches along the way were used by elderly protesters to rest briefly before re-joining the march, with accessibility pick-up points clearly marked and well-used.
Claire Davies from Haverfordwest, who made the journey with her daughter Rachel, said: “We came today because staying silent isn’t an option anymore. I’ve watched the suffering in Gaza unfold on the news and felt helpless — but today I felt part of something.
“This red line shows that people in Pembrokeshire care, and we won’t look the other way.”
Organisers speak out
One of the organisers told The Herald: “This isn’t just about Gaza, it’s about standing up for human rights, whether they’re being violated in Palestine, Yemen, or anywhere else. We’re proud that so many from West Wales came – our message is clear: Wales is not neutral. Cymru is the red line.”
As global pressure mounts over the situation in Gaza, Saturday’s march added another voice to a growing grassroots movement within Wales demanding action, not just words.
Photos: Rose Voon/Herald
