The Palestine Action Group, organisers of the recent protest on the Sydney Harbour Bridge against the killings in Gaza, estimate that 300,000 people took part - significantly higher than the NSW Police’s estimate of 90,000. Among the crowd was Kiama local Howard H Jones.

The March for Humanity and Palestine took place on 3 August, in protest against what organisers describe as genocide in Gaza. Despite challenging conditions, Jones made the journey from Kiama to attend.

A former Kiama Councillor, who served from 1991-95, Jones said he felt compelled to join the march in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

“It was very difficult for me to go up. I've got my body issues and of course it was raining. So it was a difficult decision for me to make,” said Jones.

“But I thought to myself, if you remain silent on such an important issue, then you're complicit. So I was driven to go up there because of my concern for the terrible things that are happening to the Palestinian people.”

As of the latest reports, the death toll in the Israel-Gaza war stands at 62,614 Palestinians and 1139 people killed in Israel since October 7, 2023.

Howard Jones at the March for Humanity. Photo: Howard Jones

“The purpose of the march, as far as I was concerned, was to show solidarity with the Palestinian people and to highlight the genocide that's happening there,” said Jones.

Due to the scale of the protest, the Sydney Harbour Bridge was closed from 11.30am to 4pm. Jones said he was moved by the number of people who turned out, despite the harsh weather.

“The sense of camaraderie and concern was amazing. The number of families with children and strollers, and elderly people like myself, was incredible. The vibe was absolutely positive,” he said.

“The numbers were crushing, really. I was concerned, especially when the police turned the front of the march back into the crowd. I was walking with a stick and struggling - it was difficult in many respects.

“And of course, it was wet and cold. Horrible conditions. But I was amazed to see so many people under those dreadful conditions.”

Jones believes mass protests like this can play a significant role in shaping public opinion and policy.

“I think it's bringing about immense change. That protest was seen all over the world - even people in the Gaza Strip saw it. I think that’s highly influential. Yes, I think the demonstration was incredibly powerful.”

Another protest organised by the Palestine Action Group is scheduled for Sunday, 24 August, at 1.30pm in Hyde Park North.

“People can't afford to ignore what's going on in Palestine,” said Jones. “We know how history works. The Holocaust of the Jews was ignored by the world when it was happening.

“That’s in my mind all the time. I think: we can't allow this to happen again.”