Protest hits Israeli occupation

Philadelphia, May 20. WW photo: Kelly Valdez

The 63-year occupation of indigenous Palestinian land, known as al Nakba (the catastrophe), was condemned May 20 by scores of people gathered outside the Israeli Consulate in Philadelphia. Many helped carry long signs with information on key events covering all the decades since the 1948 “ethnic cleansing” of Palestine, which laid the way for the establishment of the state of Israel.

Each decade sign had information on one event per year reflecting the oppressive colonial occupation, as well as the Palestinian resistance that continues to this day. Protesters carried these signs on a march through busy Center City traffic to a final rally at City Hall.

The protest, one of a series of monthly “third Friday” demonstrations at the Consulate, was organized by Philadelphia Against War and endorsed by a number of groups, including Workers World Party.