ACTIVISTS calling for a ceasefire in Gaza have held a “blind social experiment” on one of Scotland’s busiest streets.
The Gaza Genocide Emergency Committee (GGEC) shared a video of an individual taking part in a “blind social experiment” in Glasgow city centre.
A man can be seen blindfolded at the statue of former first minister of Scotland Donald Dewar on Buchanan Street, holding a sign with the words “if you feel anxiety about what’s happening in Gaza – hug me”.
The experiment of hugs given blindly has been used in several viral videos to counter numerous issues such as racial stereotypes and loneliness.
The video, posted on Instagram on Wednesday morning, reached 10,000 views in just under five hours.
It shows people of all age groups hugging the man, including a group of young boys and a woman with a pram.
The blindfolded activist told the National: "The whole purpose behind this was to convey Glasgow's unconditional support to Gaza, regardless of ethnicity, religion or colour.
"Every man, woman and child murdered inhumanely is disheartening, to say the least. In moments like this, all we need is someone to embrace, to show support, and together we are united as one.
"I was amazed by the amount of people who approached me, which made me shed a tear."
The group added: “It’s true what they say ... People make Glasgow, and their compassion knows no bounds. This social experiment is an amazing, emotional, and heartfelt tribute to the resilient people of Gaza.
READ MORE: Scottish Imam loses more than 30 members of family in Gaza
“Let’s show the world that actions speak louder than words. Together, we can make a difference and stand in solidarity with Palestine.
“Join us in spreading love, raising awareness, and supporting those in need.”
Several users shared that the video made them emotional, with one writing: “This made me cry happy tears, people really do make Glasgow”, and another: “I love this! I would end up hugging and never let go”.
Campaigner Zamara Zahid shared the footage on Twitter/X and said: “It is the people that make Glasgow. Humanity knows no race or religion. We stand with the oppressed. We stand with Gaza.”
The GGEC organised protests in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen in recent months and shared footage of Keir Starmer being pressed about his stance on a ceasefire on a train arriving into Glasgow Central Station.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here