St. Paul, MN – More than 100 people joined a vigil and protest here, Nov. 21, to speak out against the Israeli attack on Gaza. Participants lined the sidewalks of the Lake Street/Marshall Avenue Bridge, which connects Minneapolis and Saint Paul, during rush-hour traffic, creating a highly visible statement against the attack on Gaza.

The event called for an end to the Israeli attack on Gaza and for an end to U.S. military aid to the Israeli government. News reports indicate that 100 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli attacks on Gaza. Hundreds have been injured. The dead and injured include children.

A statement issued by organizers says in part, “Israel started ‘Operation Pillar of Cloud’, a new war on Gaza, one week ago. The Israel Defense Force (IDF) has declared that all options are on the table and that they are ready for a ground operation.” The organizers’ statement went on to say, “Operation Pillar of Cloud – like previous attacks on Gaza – will target and kill many civilians.”

In a frank admission to the press, Israel’s Deputy Prime Minister Eli Yishai said, “The goal of the operation is to send Gaza back to the Middle Ages.”

The U.S. government has supported the Israeli actions in Gaza. From 2009 to 2018, the U.S. is scheduled to give Israel – the largest recipient of U.S. assistance – $30 billion in military aid.

“U.S. tax dollars are paying for this attack on Palestinian civilians. We call for an end to U.S. military aid to Israel,” said the statement issued by the Nov. 21 protest organizers.

Anh Pham, one of the anti-war activists raided by the FBI in 2010, spoke at the end of the event and urged participants to stand with Palestine.

Every Wednesday afternoon, a peace vigil is held on the Lake Street/Marshall Avenue Bridge, which spans the Mississippi River. The weekly event often focuses on specific attacks, such as the current attacks on Gaza. The sponsors include Twin Cities Peace Campaign and Women Against Military Madness. The Nov. 21 event, with a focus on opposing the war on Gaza, was co-sponsored by the Anti-War Committee.

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Chicago, IL – 2000 people marched in the streets here, Nov. 19 chanting, “Obama, Obama, you will see – Palestine will be free!”

Organized by a coalition of Palestinian and Palestine solidarity groups, this was three times as large as the emergency protest held in Chicago on Nov. 15.

The protest and march was overwhelmingly composed of young Palestinians – college and high school aged youth. They were both grief stricken with the deaths of the people in Gaza and, at the same time, the march was militant in its opposition to the Israeli war on Gaza and continued occupation of their homeland.

“Free, free, Palestine!”, “End the siege of Gaza, now!” and other chants rang out for several hours as the crowd swelled and then took the streets.

Hatem Abudayyeh of the United States Palestinian Community Network (USPCN) was one of the emcees at the rallies before and after the march. He condemned both the Israeli siege and the U.S. government backing of Tel Aviv. “The U.S. administration is in full support of the crimes of Israel,” said Abudayyeh. “We have a responsibility as citizens and residents of the U.S. to demand that our government end its aid to Israel and its political, diplomatic, financial and military support.”

Among the speakers was Joe Iosbaker with the Anti War Committee. Iosbaker, like Abudayyeh, was one of the 23 anti-war activists subpoenaed to a grand jury investigating activists’ support for national liberation movements, including the movement to liberate Palestine. Iosbaker spoke about the Boeing Company, headquartered in Chicago. “The war planes and bombs in Israel’s arsenal are made by Boeing and, on top of killing and wounding so many, their bombs are made of depleted uranium, which will poison Gaza forever.” He called for protests against Boeing, including one to happen first thing the next morning.

Nesreen Askar, also with USPCN, noted that the $4 billion of annual U.S. aid to Israel could instead be spent here at home on education, healthcare and jobs.

#ChicagoIL #Palestine #HatemAbudayyeh #attacksOnGaza #AntiWar23 #2012IsraeliSiege #MiddleEast

Tallahassee, FL – The Palestinian national flag waved high above Integration Statue in the afternoon breeze, Nov. 19. Below it, about 50 people gathered at Florida State University (FSU) for a protest demanding an end to the Israeli siege of Gaza. Students from FSU and Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) joined community activists in a march through the busiest parts of campus to stand with the Palestinian people.

Energetic chants of, “Free, free, Palestine” and “Gaza, Gaza, don't you cry. Palestine will never die,” echoed across Union Green as students leaving class stopped to watch the demonstration. Members of Students United for Justice in Palestine (FSU Chapter), Dream Defenders, Veterans for Peace, and the Center for Participant Education spoke, chanted and distributed leaflets as the protesters chanted for an end to the bombing of the Gaza Strip.

Regina Joseph, a student activist at FSU, explained the Israeli siege, saying, “The military occupation in Gaza is a testament to how far the U.S. backs Israeli state apartheid and the dehumanization of Palestinians.” Joseph called on more students to join the solidarity movement, adding, “It's important for us to show solidarity with the innocent civilians killed in recent attacks in Gaza and their families because their voices continued to be drowned out. I won't let my silence be complicit in the murder of Palestinians.”

After hearing a few speeches about the continued Israeli occupation of Palestine, the protesters marched through the student union holding signs and chanting, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”

The march stopped briefly at Woodward parking garage to watch two protesters drop a massive red banner off of the top floor that read, “No to Israeli occupation,” along with several accompanying demands. Passing cars honked in support of the protesters' message.

Mohammad Al-Kadah, a student at FSU and a member of Students United for Justice in Palestine, spoke about the importance of marching in solidarity with the people of Gaza. He said, “I know we all see the people suffering in Gaza and it hurts me seeing people ignoring what is going on over there. Instead of arguing who is right or wrong, it's more effective for all people, regardless of race, religion, and personal beliefs, to stand up for what is right.” Student leader Al-Kadah continued, “Children and families are dying in great numbers. The least we can do is show our sympathy for those who have died by showing our support.”

Returning to Integration Statue, protesters observed a moment of silence for the more than 100 people killed since the siege started. Some hecklers from Noles for Israel, the pro-war Zionist student group on FSU's campus, taunted the protesters and broke the moment of silence. Nevertheless, the protesters stood united and ignored their callous remarks.

Afterwards, interested students remained around Integration Statue talking to the pro-Palestinian organizers and asking questions.

Musa Darwish, a student at FAMU, spoke about the importance of solidarity actions in the U.S., saying, “I think that if we keep doing events such as this one to raise awareness, this is a way we can show solidarity towards Gaza.” On the conversations taking place afterward, Darwish stressed the importance of publicly discussing the conflict in Gaza. “Opening up dialogue can help lead to a peaceful resolution, and that is the bottom line that I am after as a Palestinian – peace.”

Many expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming Students United for Justice in Palestine meeting on Nov. 28. At the meeting, activists and organizers will plan future solidarity actions with the Palestinian people and Gaza. Students are organizing to end U.S. funding for Israeli occupation.

#TallahasseeFL #Palestine #attacksOnGaza #FloridaStateUniversity #2012IsraeliSiege #StudentsUnitedForJusticeInPalestine #MiddleEast