In late 1987, an 18-year-old Richard Boyd Barrett arrived from Ireland in the southern part of historic Palestine to work as a labourer.
Shortly after arriving, a series of protests spread from Gaza’s Jabalia refugee camp to the occupied West Bank and other Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories and Israel – known as the first Intifada.
Richard found himself working alongside Palestinians who came as day labourers from refugee camps in Al-Khalil/Hebron, many of whom were also participating in the uprising.
He visited their refugee camp and learned the history of the Palestinian people and the oppression they have suffered since 1948.
After being “horrified” at the brutality he witnessed perpetrated against young Palestinian people and identifying with the Palestinian cause and their plight, Richard felt he had to get involved in advocating for Palestine.
When he returned to Ireland, Richard began advocating for the Palestinian cause and becoming involved with the Anti-War Movement and socialist politics.
Today, Richard is a member of the Irish Parliament for People Before Profit and is still fighting for Palestinian rights.