BY JESS MELVIN
MELBOURNE — More than 2000 people marched for Palestine on April 20, in a protest mobilising much of the Palestinian community in Melbourne.
"I am angry", Rarda Abdel Fatah, speaking on behalf of Young Palestinian Women, told the protest. "[Israel,] you have your tanks, I'm only allowed my stone... I am robbed of my ancestor's land even though I still carry the front door key... [and we are given] the label of terrorism when ever we resolve to die on our feet rather than live on our knees." Silent while Fatah was speaking, the crowd erupted into applause when she finished.
"The movement among Israeli soldiers and reservists to refuse duty in the Occupied Territories has grown", Andrew Irving from the Communist Party of Australia said. "More than 1000 people have pledged to refuse and, as of April 8, some 30 of these soldiers and officers have been sent to prison for active refusal."
The march occupied intersections, calling out for passers-by to join in. Tram drivers, waiting for the march to go past, leant out of their trams calling out encouragement and holding up peace signs. A uniformed taxi driver joined the march and the chanting.
Melburnians looked up startled, reminded of the horrific reality faced by the Palestinians, as the loud, bright march went past them. Placards at the march included, "Terrorism is Israel and USA made", "Freedom for Palestine" and "Self-determination for East Timor, why not Palestine?".
After marching for nearly three hours, protesters attempted to march along St Kilda Road to the Israeli embassy, only to be stopped by a wall of mounted police. Undaunted, the protesters returned to the State Library, and defiantly burnt US and Israeli flags in front of regular and mounted police.
Another protest will be held on April 26 at 5pm outside the State Library.
From Green Left Weekly, April 24, 2002.
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