Palestinian freedom fighters hailed

Tampa, FL – A group of ten activists stood out in front of the University of South Florida (USF) Hillel building, April 12, in protest of a vigil being held for Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The vigil was in remembrance of IDF soldiers who were killed by Palestinian ‘terrorists,’ meaning the people who defend their land against U.S.-backed Israeli settlers.

“When Hillel says 'fighting terrorism,' we understand what that truly means,” said Michela Martinazzi of the Committee to Stop FBI Repression-Tampa. “That means IDF soldiers senselessly murdering Palestinians. That means dropping bombs on Gaza in 2014 leaving over 20,000 homes in rubble. That means killing 2200 Palestinians in 50 days.”

In reference to the so-called ‘terrorists,’ the Hillel vigil was held to condemn, Martinazzi asked, “This begs the question, who are the real terrorists?”

Danya Zituni, a leader in both of the organizations present, spoke about how the event fell close to the anniversary Deir Yassin massacre, which helped lead to the occupation of Palestine.

“Only a few days ago on April 9 was the anniversary of the Deir Yassin Massacre, when three Zionist militias attacked the Palestinian village of Deir Yassin, murdering over 100 women, men and children. This was one of many dozens of massacres that led to the ethnic cleansing of over 1 million Palestinians through which the state of ‘Israel’ was created.”

Protesters managed to disrupt the event, with one of the Zionists even driving their van toward the group and parking in front of them to block their signs. This did not stop the group from chanting toward the attendees.

“The enemy is not so scary if the best they can do is call us names and park vans in front of us,” said Gage LaCharite of Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic Society.

The protest also honored Palestinian freedom fighters who have taken a stand against Israeli occupation. “We too can follow heroes like Rasmea Odeh and Khalida Jarrar who have stood up, and continue to stand up to the enemy,” said LaCharite.

The protest was organized by the Committee to Stop FBI Repression–Tampa and Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic Society.

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