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Newry man Mike Mathers will share his experiences of a recent visit to the occupied West Bank at a public event in the city on Friday 23 October. An Evening with Mike Mathers - Voices from Palestine takes place at Thomas Davis GAC, Corrinshego, at 8pm. The event will feature photographs, videos, recordings and first-hand accounts from his visit.
Speaking about the trip, Mike said he wanted to emphasise that Palestine is much more than the images of conflict seen on television screens.
“Can I start by saying what a beautiful country Palestine is? The ancient sand-coloured buildings, the steps and streets, the deserts and olive groves, the sound of the call to prayer echoing out over the loudspeakers, and the dry heat.
"But every day of my visit was also filled with different examples of how the occupation exerts physical and psychological control over some of the nicest, warmest and kindest people you will ever meet.”
During his visit, Mike stayed in Bethlehem and travelled throughout the West Bank, where he saw the impact of military checkpoints, road closures, separation walls and Israeli settlements on Palestinian families. On one occasion, a journey of just 28 kilometres took more than three hours because of road closures and delays at military checkpoints.
He also saw the effect of the collapse of tourism on Bethlehem, where hotels, shops and families who once depended on visiting pilgrims are now struggling to survive.
One of the most memorable experiences was a visit to Aida refugee camp near Bethlehem, where thousands of Palestinians live in cramped conditions, surrounded by the separation wall and military watchtowers. Mike recalls being welcomed with great warmth, particularly by children who approached the visitors to practise their English.
The group also came across murals depicting the Irish flag and Bobby Sands, which were reminders of the connections many Palestinians feel with the Irish people.
For Mike, the most important part of the visit was the responsibility he felt to share what he had seen on returning home.
“I’m very aware that my trip was privileged. I was able to travel where Palestinians aren’t. They are the experts on their own country.
"I am hosting this event not because I know more, but because they asked us not to forget them and to tell the world their story.”
The evening in Newry will give local people the chance to hear personal accounts of life under occupation, beyond television reports and social media clips. It will also cover the human impact of the conflict, the resilience and generosity of Palestinian communities and the everyday restrictions they face. For people in Newry and the surrounding areas, it is also an opportunity to show that the people of Palestine have not been forgotten.
The event is not only about the hardships Mike saw. It will also look at the beauty of Palestine, the dignity of its people, their determination to preserve their identity and culture, and the friendships and connections that continue despite adversity.
Everyone with an interest in Palestine, human rights or international solidarity, or a wish to learn more, is encouraged to attend.
An Evening with Mike Mathers - Voices from Palestine takes place on Friday 23 October 2026 at 8pm in Thomas Davis GAC, Corrinshego, Newry.
