Obituary for Judith Dawes
(Oxford PSC) | 14.03.2005 10:40 | Repression | Oxford
JUDITH DAWES - an inspiration to campaigners for Palestine
The death of Judith Dawes, long-time campaigner for Palestine, is a sad loss for PSC nationally and in Oxford, where she worked tirelessly to raise public awareness. Judith was PSC's first honorary member - a recognition of her steadfastness to the cause throughout difficult times and inspiration to others. And being a very honest person, Judith returned her honorary certificate when it said she was a lifelong campaigner for Palestine and she insisted we correct it to 'twenty years'!
The death of Judith Dawes, long-time campaigner for Palestine, is a sad loss for PSC nationally and in Oxford, where she worked tirelessly to raise public awareness. Judith was PSC's first honorary member - a recognition of her steadfastness to the cause throughout difficult times and inspiration to others. And being a very honest person, Judith returned her honorary certificate when it said she was a lifelong campaigner for Palestine and she insisted we correct it to 'twenty years'!
In London in April 2001, in PSC's renascent burgeoning of activity during the al-Aqsa intifada, when volunteers arrived early to set up banners to picket the Zionist Federation's celebration of Israeli 'independence', we found Judith already there, firmly planted in the doorway, holding a hand-painted placard denouncing Israel's killing of children, surrounded by and arguing passionately with the burly police trying to move her. Judith's spirit shone through that afternoon of protest as through so many other actions including her weekly stall in the Cornmarket in Oxford. It was an inspiration to meet her and discover her depth of knowledge and commitment to justice, and the generous way she transmitted these to the rest of us made her one of those invaluable people: baton-passers, who, by inspiring and motivating so many others, ensure the flame of human solidarity is kept alive. Our sympathy and thoughts are with her family and her many friends.
Palestine Solidarity Campaign
(Oxford PSC)