The Port Washington community illuminates a sea of darkness. Inhabitants of this area of Long Island, NY, demonstrated for human rights and justice in peaceful protest against the government of Republican President Donald Trump and against the operations of the ICE immigration agency.
On Monday, July 14, more than 30 Port Washington residents challenged the imminent storm and rain, and met again at the Long Island Railroad station (Lirr) to defend together human rights, dignity and justice.
The peaceful demonstration marked the second of a series of weekly demonstrations that make visible the dehumanizing policies of the current government and the damage that these policies inflict vulnerable members of the community, especially undocumented immigrants.
Organized by local residents concerned and sponsored by the Port Washington Democratic club, the event announced the stories of people affected by unfair policies. Even before its official start at 7:00 pm, attendees sang songs of love, solidarity and hope.
They continued to sing, briefly stopping to recover their breath, open their umbrellas and listen to the inspiring words of Kim Keiserman, president of Port Washington Democratic Club and former candidate to the state Senate; of sister Kathy Somerville, OP, director of reach of the Church Our Lady of Fatima; and from Evan Freed, who concluded the event with a moment of meditation.
“The best way to combat these dark times is to unite, light the light together and defend together decency, democracy and community,” said Keiserman who emphasized the importance of these vigils on Monday.
Called to Justice and Compassion
It should be noted that the Port Washington community began with these peaceful protests on July 7. The attendees lit candles, sang songs together, held banners and raised the voice in a call to justice, compassion and sustained action.
The speeches were in charge of councilor Mariann Dalimonte; the president of the Port Washington Democratic Club and former candidate to the state Senate, Kim Keiserman; and some religious and community leaders.
“We will leave this, I promise, and I will be there for you in every step of the road,” said the Dalimonte.
«This will not be a fast fight, it is not something that we will achieve overnight. It will be a long way where we will have to commit ourselves to remain united, to support each other and the members of our community that may not feel comfortable when joining us, ”Keiserman said.
It is reported that the people of Port Washington will continue to make these demonstrations every Monday night at the Lirr train station (from 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm) to ensure that the struggle for human rights remains visible and active.
