18,000 Pairs Of Kids’ Shoes Laid Out In Netherlands Gaza Protest

Jul 1 2025

On Sunday 2 June, at least 18,000 pairs of children’s shoes were laid out in Stadhuisplein (City Hall Square) in Almere, the Netherlands, as a striking memorial to Palestinian children killed in Gaza since 7 October 2023.

The tribute formed part of the 12th annual commemoration by Dutch solidarity group Plant an Olive Tree.

The display featured rows of empty shoes, teddy bears, and banners reading “Let Gaza Live”.

The names and ages of the children who lost their lives were read aloud during the moving ceremony. Volunteers handed out brochures and spoke with members of the public to raise awareness of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Hollanda’nın Almere kentinde, İsrail’in Gazze’ye yönelik saldırılarında öldürülen Filistinli çocuklar için bir kez daha anma etkinliği yapıldı https://t.co/GYtoZSlcTC pic.twitter.com/r2Vhw2fU2p

— Anadolu Ajansı (@anadoluajansi) June 30, 2025

Organiser Esther van der Most, Director of Plant an Olive Tree, told Anadolu Agency that the event was both a tribute and a call to action.

She expressed hope that such demonstrations would eventually become unnecessary, saying, “Even if the bombings in Gaza were to stop today, our struggle will continue until Palestine is entirely free.”

A similar protest in Utrecht in March saw 14,000 shoes displayed. Since the war began, more than 56,530 Palestinians, including over 17,400 children, have been killed in Gaza.

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Photo Source: Anadolu Ajansi (Twitter)

Gozo Food Festival Set For Friday 11 And Saturday 12 July In Xewkija

Jul 1 2025

Minister for Gozo and Planning, Clint Camilleri, has announced that the Gozo Food Festival will once again be held in Xewkija, marking one of the most popular and eagerly anticipated summer events in Gozo.

The Gozo Food Festival is scheduled to take place on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 July in Xewkija Square, where a vibrant space will be created to bring together gastronomy, culture and entertainment.

Minister Camilleri stated, “As a Ministry, we fully support this event which not only brings people together but also helps to strengthen the local economy and producers. This festival is popular not just among Gozitans but also with those visiting us during this period. We want to ensure that the island of Gozo remains the natural choice for Maltese holidaymakers as well as the tourists we welcome each summer.”

For two consecutive evenings, the Gozo Food Festival will offer a unique experience with a wide selection of food stalls featuring cuisines from around the world including Asian, Mediterranean, European and South American dishes as well as traditional Gozitan delights that reflect Gozo’s distinct gastronomic identity.

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Ħajja Sal-Aħħar: Hospice Malta Telethon 2025

Jul 1 2025

Hospice Malta has proudly launched its annual fundraising campaign, Ħajja Sal-Aħħar, which will culminate in a 12-hour televised telethon on Sunday 6 July 2025, from 11am to 11pm across local television stations. This important initiative supports the organisation’s mission to provide free, high-quality palliative care to people with life-limiting illnesses.

As the need for Hospice Malta’s services continues to grow each year, the telethon is a vital part of ensuring the charity can continue offering care and support to thousands of patients and their families, completely free of charge. Funds raised will help sustain home-based care, in-patient services, psychological support and holistic therapies delivered by the Hospice team.

Running until 6th July, the campaign calls on individuals, businesses and the wider Maltese community to get involved by donating and spreading the word. Every contribution, no matter the amount, helps Hospice Malta continue its compassionate work and provide dignity and comfort during the most challenging times.

Tune in and support Hospice Malta on 6 July. For more information, visit www.hospicemalta.org.

Tributes Pour In For Diver Dione Galdes After Sunday Tragedy

Jul 1 2025

Dione Galdes has been identified as the diver who passed away after finding difficulty over the weekend.

The Calypso Sub-Aqua Club took to social media to pay tribute to Dione, who was immensely passionate about diving.

‘Dione was not only a skilled diving instructor but also a trusted mentor, a generous advisor, and a true companion to all who had the privilege of knowing him’, wrote the club. ‘His calm, approachable nature made him easy to work with, and his passion for diving was matched only by his dedication to sharing it with others.’

‘Over the years, Dione gave tirelessly of his time and expertise, supporting the Club with teaching, technical guidance, and unwavering friendship. Many of us took our first underwater breaths under his care, and countless divers carry a part of his legacy in their training and love for the sport.’

Condolences to all loved ones. Rest in Peace Dione.

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