An Oldham Peace Flag is flying over the Civic Centre as a symbol of support for local people’s concerns about the current conflicts in Gaza.
The flag was raised by a ceremony by the Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Fida Hussain.
It will also be used in any future conflicts where there is significant loss of civilian life as a symbol of Oldham coming together in the spirit of peace.
Cllr Hussain also announced the creation of a local relief fund to gather donations as it has done in previous years, most recently for the Bangladeshi Flood victims.
Money raised will be used to provide lasting aid to children affected by the current conflict in Gaza – details will be announced soon about how residents can donate.
Cllr Hussain said: “This fund will give the people of the borough a chance to help those young people whose lives have been shattered.
“Many of them have lost loved ones and their homes. Hopefully we can give them hope for the future.”
Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Co-operatives, added: “This is about showing our humanitarian support for victims.
“It is not about supporting one nation over another, or creating a precedent for future flags being flown.
“Whatever the history of this conflict, the killing of innocent civilians, including children, has caused distress and concern not just in Oldham but around the world.”
The flag ceremony was attended by councillors, Aldermen of the borough and faith leaders.
Also in attendance were members of an Oldham delegation who recently delivered an 8,303 name petition to Downing Street.
The petition calls for an end to all hostilities and the recall of Parliament so the crisis can be discussed and humanitarian aid agreed.
The document stated: “We, the people of Oldham, call upon the United Kingdom government and the European Union to act now to protect civilians on all sides and stop the suffering in Gaza.”
Councillor Arooj Shah, Oldham Council’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Policy and Communications, led the delegation of civic, faith and community leaders.
He said: “Oldham has a history of supporting innocent civilians who are suffering through war and conflict.
“I am proud hundreds of people from across the borough have pledged their support by signing this petition.
“They are telling the government we want an immediate end to the violence and we want our politicians to use their influence to do all that they can to make this happen.
“This is a view shared by communities across Oldham, irrespective of ethnicity or faith.”
Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth who visited the West Bank in 2012, has also written to Ed Miliband informing him of the petition and asking him to push for a recall.
She said: “I made the suggestion that Oldham’s petition should call on Parliament to be re-called to debate what’s happening in Gaza because I’m absolutely horrified by what can only be described as the slaughter of Palestinian people, including innocent children.
“We must keep the pressure up for an immediate, and meaningful, ceasefire that stops the disproportionate and indiscriminate attacks on defenceless civilians.
“MPs have not had an opportunity to debate this issue other than to ask a question when there’s been a statement on Gaza. This is unsatisfactory and undemocratic.”
A peace conference is planned for September 29 to discuss possible longer term actions that Oldham could take.
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