Durham, NC – More than 200 people rallied and marched in downtown here, July 23, to protest the Israeli occupation's assault on Gaza and the people of Palestine.

A statement from the protest organizers noted, “This most recent Israeli assault on Gaza continues to escalate and the death and casualty numbers continue to rise in a Palestinian territory that has been under a state of siege, including a blockade on building materials and other basic supplies, since 2006.” The statement continued, “We believe that Israel is committing mass murder against all people living in Gaza, using killing as a tactic of ensuring the power of the Israeli settler state and the occupation of Palestine.”

The rally kicked off with rousing speeches from activists and moving testimony from Palestinians whose families have been affected by the ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza. The rally was held in the busy Five Points intersection in Durham, so hundreds of passersby heard the speeches and saw the demonstration. A petition to demand justice for Palestinian activist Rasmea Odeh was circulated; many people took “Support Rasmea” pamphlets home with them and activists expressed their solidarity and support for the campaign.

After the rally, a vibrant, loud march kicked off through the streets of downtown, with protesters chanting “Free, free Palestine!” and “Gaza, Gaza don't you cry, Palestine will never die!”

The march went to the downtown public library, where speeches were made demanding that Durham county cut ties with G4S, a British private security company which plays a key role in Israel's occupation of Palestine. Durham County has a $1 million contract with G4S. A campaign is currently underway calling on Durham County to join the global Boycott Divestment and Sanctions movement by not renewing the contract with G4S.

From there, the march proceeded to the downtown jail. As prisoners tapped on their windows in support, organizers spoke about the repression visited on Palestinians and the struggles to end repression of oppressed nationalities here at home.

The Durham protest is the latest in a wave of actions here in solidarity with Palestine in recent days. Three protests have been held in Carrboro, Durham and Raleigh over the last five days and on July 25 two vigils will be held in Durham.

#DurhamNC #AntiwarMovement #PalestineSolidarity #Zionism #attacksOnGaza #IsraeliOccupation #MiddleEast

Chicago, IL – Hundreds of protesters stood across the street from the Israeli consulate here, July 22, shouting, “Hey, Israel, waddya say? How many kids did you kill today?” They aimed their voices at a smaller crowd that waived Israeli flags and who gathered directly in front of the consulate in a show of support for the murderous assault on Gaza over the past two weeks.

While the pro-Israel rally was only a few hundred people, compared to the 700 that came out to support the people of Gaza, that didn’t stop the Zionists from acting aggressively. According to Hatem Abudayyeh of the U.S. Palestine Community Network and the citywide Coalition for Justice in Palestine, “The most rabid of them came across the street when their event ended to confront us.”

The Chicago Police Department sent their mounted police and others to face off, not with the approaching crowd from the Israeli side, but against the Palestinians and their allies. Abudayyeh said, “If our side had done that, gone across the street to disrupt the Israeli demo, the cops would’ve been all over us.”

Women leaders of Students for Justice in Palestine-Chicago led most of the rally’s chants.

After the Zionist event dispersed, the youthful protesters took off on a march across the Loop to the Chicago Tribune building. They held a die-in there to dramatize that Palestinians in Gaza are still dying under the guns, bombs and missiles of the Israeli attack.

For the Palestinian community in Chicago and the solidarity movement, Chicago won’t be quiet until the U.S.-backed siege of Gaza is over.

#ChicagoIL #AntiwarMovement #PalestineSolidarity #Zionism #HatemAbudayyeh #attacksOnGaza #USImperialism #IsraeliOccupation #MiddleEast

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.

#StPaulMN #Palestine #attacksOnGaza #antiwar #2012IsraeliSiege #MiddleEast

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

Gainesville, FL – A massive Palestinian flag with the words “Free Palestine” was raised in Turlington Plaza Nov. 15 as 40 students gathered to condemn the massacre in Gaza. Gainesville Area Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) organized the protest in response to the latest wave of brutal Israeli attacks, which claimed the lives of dozens of Palestinians.

SDS leaders chanted “Free, free Palestine!” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!” They carried signs that read, “Stop the massacre in Gaza” and “Occupy Wall Street, not Palestine.” Several protesters wore duct tape over their mouths to symbolize the suppression of Palestinian voices in the corporate media. As crowds of students walked by on their way to class they heard the chants, saw the signs and decided to join the protesters, doubling the size of the demonstration.

Speakers talked about the long history of oppression and brutalization suffered by the Palestinian people. “This is not an isolated incident,” said Pamela Maldonado, an organizer with Students for a Democratic Society. “Palestine has been under occupation for more than half a century. We demand freedom, justice and self-determination for the Palestinian people!”

Other speakers commented on the insidious role played by the U.S. government in providing billions of dollars of funding, weapons and political support for the Zionist regime. Skye Schmelzer from the Committee to Stop FBI Repression said, “Not only does our government provide material support for Israel but they arrest Palestinian solidarity activists here at home.” She cited the case of the Holy Land Five political prisoners and the bogus investigation of Hatem Abudayyeh, one of the 23 anti-war and international solidarity activists raided by the FBI and subpoenaed to a grand jury in Chicago. The 23 solidarity activists refused to testify at the grand jury and have built a broad fight back campaign.

The rally closed with everyone pledging, as the Israeli invasion continues, to make every effort to organize another protest in solidarity with Palestine and oppose U.S. funding for Israel.

#GainesvilleFL #AntiwarMovement #StudentMovement #Gaza #SDS #Palestine #attacksOnGaza #StudentsForJusticeInPalestineSJP #UniversityOfFlorida #MiddleEast

Minneapolis, MN – Around 100 people protested Israel’s war on Gaza today, November 16, at a midday march on the University of Minnesota campus initiated by Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). The protesters carried signs that said “Free Palestine”, “Hands off Gaza” and “End Aid to Israel”. They rallied in front of Coffman Union then led a spirited march that looped several times around the Northrop Mall before returning back to Coffman Union. A small group of pro-Zionist counter-protesters chanted pro-Israel slogans, waved Israeli flags and tried to provoke the crowd at various points during the march.

#MinneapolisMN #AntiwarMovement #Gaza #Palestine #attacksOnGaza #StudentsForJusticeInPalestineSJP #MiddleEast

Washington, DC – People across the country took to the streets to protest on the sixth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Demonstrators called for an end to the ongoing wars and occupations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Palestine. It was the first national day of protest against the war and occupations since Obama was elected president.

Here in Washington D.C., thousands of protesters from across the country converged for a march organized by International ANSWER. Led by a contingent of Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans, the march route took protesters past the Pentagon and from there to the downtown area, where they passed the offices of corporations that make huge profits from military contracts, such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin. Under the gaze of riot cops lining the sidewalks, protesters carried coffins draped with the flags of countries that are suffering from U.S. occupation or intervention.

Across the country, demonstrations were held to commemorate the sixth anniversary of the war. Marches took place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Saint Paul, Minnesota; Los Angles, Atlanta, Chicago and other cities

In San Francisco, hundreds of marchers proceeded up Market Street to a rally at City Hall. Students from San Francisco State University, City College of San Francisco and UCLA demanded, “Iraq for Iraqis! Troops out now!”

“It is important to keep organizing against the war,” said Alex Perry, from the Tuscaloosa, Alabama chapter of Students for a Democratic Society, who marched with the student contingent in Washington D.C. “Though many people seem to think that the end of the Bush administration means an end or a change in U.S. foreign policy, the recent U.S.-funded Israeli attacks on Gaza and the recent ‘troop surge’ in Afghanistan show that this is simply not that case. We need to demand an end to all U.S. occupations in the Middle East and fight back against the budget cuts here at home.”

#WashingtonDC #AntiwarMovement #StudentMovement #News #Occupation #Afghanistan #Iraq #Palestine #sixthAnniversaryOfTheUSInvasionOfIraq #attacksOnGaza #troopSurgeInAfghanistan