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Posted by Z in
Info
Monday, August 14. 2006
I've recently returned from Washington where some 30,000 people gathered to march around the White House demanding an end to the Israeli assault on Lebanon and Palestine. I spoke with a member of the police who said the permit was for 10,000 people but that many had already gathered over an hour before the event even started. I walked into Lafayette Park to hear the angelic voice of Fairuz blaring out of the loud speakers onto the White House grounds, filling the streets of the American capital.
It was unbelievable. So many people there from so many different backgrounds. I saw a priest carrying a large wooden cross with the Palestinian flag hanging from one side and the Lebanese flag hanging from the other. There were Lebanese and Palestinian flags everywhere and a couple from Iraq and Iran. I actually saw flags from Venezuela, Italy, South Korea, Cuba, Qatar, Pakistan, the United States, Uruguay, Puerto Rico, Afghanistan, and Columbia as well. Sunnis, Shi'ite, Protestants, Catholics, Orthodox Jews, Reform Jews, Atheists, and Buddhists all together for a common purpose. We listened to several speakers including Ramsey Clark. All spoke about how unjust this dual war was and condemned the Bush administration for it's unwavering support for Israel. The speakers called for continued action on behalf of Lebanon and Palestine until both were free of oppression.
During the early part of the speeches, there was a large commotion in the masses beside me. Although I couldn't see for all the people, I could hear someone had arrived and it was causing a stir. Then, I saw a group of about 15-20 Rabbis come to the main stage area holding signs condemning "Israeli War Crimes" and "Zionism is Terrorism." This was unexpected but everybody applauded at their presence and support of Lebanon and Palestine. They are Orthodox Jews who believe, as the Torah teaches, that there can be no state of "Israel" until the Messiah comes and makes it. As the last speaker a Shi'a imam stood up and spoke about the unjust crimes of Israel but stated our conflict isn't against the Jews. The Jews are our allies as you can see by those who've joined us today! he said to thunderous applause.
We then moved to form the march and saw so many flags, and signs, and posters. We heard chants all throughout the march; "Bush and Hitler are the same, the only difference is the name!" and "Bush, Bush, you will see; Lebanon will be free" and "From Beirut to Palestine, occupation is a crime!" among others. We started marching but stopped almost immediately as the police moved in to stop a group of about 15 pro-Israeli counter-demonstrators began shouting support for Israel. We moved past them and slowly marched around the White House by the Washington Monument chanting as we went by. It was a beautiful day so there were many bystanders around watching as we went by. Many were curious but others shouted their support.
It was an amazing experience to see and hear all of the signs of support for these two countries. It is without a doubt one of the most memorable events I've ever been a part of. I could write a small book on my experiences of that day alone but I'll save that for later posts. In the coming days, I'll post pictures of the event and will tell the story that goes along with each one. God bless Lebanon and Palestine!
- Eric/Amir
- Z -
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