Cincinnati, OH - 300 people protested the Israeli military invasion of Gaza on Saturday, Jan. 3. The protest sent a message that U.S. support for Israel must end. Gathering at Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati, the mostly Palestinian and Arab-American protesters were joined by dozens of social justice and solidarity activists from local communities, including Christian and Muslim peace activists. The Palestinian organizers circulated amongst white and African-American activists, thanking them for their support.

Nearly 60 children lined both sides of the streets with photos and signs saying “Stop the bloodbath,” “Stop the killing,” “Break the silence, we want action!” – demands aimed at both the U.S. government of George Bush and other world leaders. Nearby the top of the plaza stairs, scores of young men gathered around a young Palestinian man making a speech in Arabic. This was followed by loud call and response chanting, “Free, free Palestine!” “Not a nickel, not a dime, U.S. aid is a crime!” and “Gaza, Gaza, don’t you cry, Palestine will never die!” This kept the crowd going for over two hours.

Toward the end of the rally, young men and women led a slow march around the new Fountain Square plaza and back to where the children were still lining the streets with their protest signs. The news of the Israeli military starting their invasion on Saturday during the first protest created disbelief and then anger. The chants grew louder as the news spread. Many drivers honked their horns in solidarity with the Palestinian children.

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