Thousands take part in pro-Palestine demonstrations across US states

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
22 Oct 2023 05:58

Demonstrators call for a cessation of US support for Israeli occupation and aggression against Palestine.

A demonstrator holds a "Free Palestine" sign during a pro-Palestinian rally on Saturday, Seattle Oct. 21, 2023 (AP)

Thousands of people protested on Saturday in several American states, demanding an end to the Israeli occupation, an end to Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, and condemning the United States' support for the Israeli occupation.

Thousands participated in the demonstrations held in Washington, New York, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, and San Diego.

Palestinian institutions had called for large-scale participation in these marches to amplify Palestinian voices before decision-makers in the American administration, calling for a cessation of US support for Israeli occupation and for stopping the aggression against Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

Los Angeles holds its largest protest to date demanding an immediate end to the Israeli occupation and ongoing genocide and siege in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/prthCDmFzL
— Kawsachun News (@KawsachunNews) October 22, 2023

The participants called on members of Congress to fulfill their responsibilities by preventing the deterioration of living conditions in the Gaza Strip and stopping the crimes committed against the Palestinian people under the pretext of "self-defense".

According to The Guardian, many attempts to suppress pro-Palestinian views have been taking place in the US after the initiation of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on October 7.

Major conferences were canceled, workers who expressed sympathy for Palestinians were fired, and intimidation efforts targeting Arab American voices critical of Israeli policy were launched.

A Jewish organization in the United States forced the cancelation of a major Palestinian campaign organization's national conference early this week, claiming it was a front for Hamas.

Shivering with fear, bombed every day, found under the rubbles of their homes, losing their parents, drenched with blood, what have #Palestinian children done to deserve this?#PalestineGenocide #GazaUnderAttack pic.twitter.com/qjc61w2y6b
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 22, 2023

According to Palestinian American activists, following a campaign of "listener complaints", NPR and the BBC dropped advertisements for a critically acclaimed new book about the war on Palestine.

Hilton Hotels was pressured into canceling the Campaign for Palestinian Rights event in Houston at the end of October by The Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce. Rashida Tlaib was scheduled to be the main speaker at the event.

Duvi Honig, the chamber’s founder and CEO, claimed that the conference was for “Hamas supporters” and accused Tlaib and other speakers of being “notoriously proud Jew-haters."

Ahmad Abuznaid, director of the USCPR, a coalition of more than 300 groups opposed to the occupation, disclosed that when contacted by Hilton, the group was told it had to pay $100,000 for security within 48 hours. Hilton also told them they were receiving calls to cancel the event.