Philadelphia rally counters pro-Zionist affair

Chants of “Occupation is a Crime! Free Palestine!” signs and Palestinian flags, and a thousand black balloons confronted participants of the official “Israel at 60” celebration May 18 in Philadelphia. The cloud of black balloons was released into the sky to mark the 60th anniversary of Palestinian dispossession, when more than half the native population was expelled from Palestine, more than 530 villages destroyed, and the history and heritage of an ancient people were stolen to make way for the creation of Israel.

The event concluded 60 days of activities by the Philadelphia Al Nakba Coalition, which featured dozens of film showings, forums and speakers to raise awareness of Palestinian history, current struggles in Gaza and the West Bank against continuing Israeli violence and expanding of settlements, and the critical role of the U.S. in supporting the outlaw state of Israel.

—Report and photo by Joe Piette