A community campaign group in Blackburn has marked two years of activism supporting Palestine and raising awareness about the importance of Masjid al-Aqsa.
Friends of al-Aqsa supporters say what began as a small group of volunteers has grown into a wide range of events and actionable campaigns.
The group, known locally as Blackburn Friends of al-Aqsa (FoA), was formed two years ago with the aim of turning concern for Palestine into practical action within the community.
They said: “Two years ago, a small group in Blackburn decided that love for Masjid al-Aqsa shouldn’t stay as words. It should become action.”
“We’ve stood in the cold. We’ve stood in the rain. And we’ve stood firm in our conviction that Al-Aqsa is not just a headline, it is part of our faith.”
One of their most visible initiatives has been the weekly Blackburn rally, held since September 2024 at the junction of Whalley Range and Barbara Castle Way, a busy spot with heavy traffic passing through the town.
These demonstrations highlight various issues, including attacks on journalists, medical workers, children, and places of worship.
On a national scale, members have also organised monthly coaches to London for large demonstrations, with hundreds of people travelling from Blackburn and neighbouring towns to take part.
Community fundraising has been another key part of the group's work.
The 'Little Steps for Palestine' walk for children aged five to 11 has been held twice and raised more than £80,000 for charity.
Other cultural events include a cooking class showcasing traditional Palestinian cuisine led by chef Reema, a women’s event celebrating the resilience of Palestinian women past and present, and a screening of the documentary Where the Olive Trees Weep.
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One of the group's most powerful actions was the 'Know Their Names' vigils, where volunteers and members of the community read the names of Palestinian children killed by ongoing Israeli attacks.
The reading lasted 13 hours, during which 8,976 names were read aloud, fewer than half of the children killed.
They have also worked with restaurants and takeaways across Blackburn to encourage businesses to boycott Coca-Cola products, over concerns about the company’s operations on land campaigners describe as illegally occupied Palestinian territory.
"We have taken monthly action to secure over 70 per cent of Blackburn restaurants and takeaways to boycott Coca-Cola in support of the Palestinian cause," said one of the organisers.
The group says it also continues to raise awareness about the situation at Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, which they say has recently been closed to worshippers for 14 days during the holy month of Ramadan due to restrictions by Israeli forces.
They said: “Change is slow, but presence matters. Boycott is powerful when it’s consistent. Education builds confidence. Volunteers are everything.
"For two years, Blackburn has shown that you don't need to be a massive city to make an impact. You need sincerity, consistency, and people who care.”
They added that the anniversary was not a moment to stop, but a reminder that more work remains to be done.
They said: “Two years is not the finish line. It’s a checkpoint. Palestine still needs voices. Al-Aqsa still needs defenders.”
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