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Activists Disrupt 'Salute to Israel' Parade (press release)

Autonomous actions for Palestine challenge Zionist parade

Today, a series of non-violent protest actions disrupted the 'Salute to Israel' parade. The parade celebrated 60 years since the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. Activists wished to remind the public that since its inception, Israel has been maintained through the constant oppression of the Palestinian people, in particular through ethnic cleansing.

The 'Salute to Israel' parade was a shameful show of support to a government engaged in war crimes. Sponsors included the Jewish National Fund, an organisation deeply involved in the colonisation of Palestinian land as well in anti-Palestinian discrimination within Israel. Activists wish to stress that the British government's authorisation, protection and support of this event is entirely unacceptable.

En route, the parade was greeted by activists with red dye on their hands to symbolise the blood of Palestinians killed by the Israeli government. In Tafalgar Square, both fountains turned red and a Palestinian flag was unfurled at the entrance of the National Gallery. An activist climbed up a big screen which had to be turned off for most of the event. Also, another group attempted to get onto the roof of the National Gallery in order to unfurl a banner but were arrested in the process.

Deir Yassin and Tantura are but two of the most (in)famous massacres perpetrated by Zionist forces against Palestinians in 1948. Over 530 Palestinian towns and villages were destroyed, and nearly two-thirds of the native Palestinian people, around 750 000 people, were forced to flee.

Ethnic cleansing continued beyond 1948, taking various forms from all-out massacres and military attacks to house demolitions and the unceasing oppression of Israeli military occupation in the West Bank and Gaza. The Apartheid Wall, mostly built on Palestinian land, is one of the means through which the Israeli government attempts to annex Palestinian land without its people. In Israel, politicians, the media and a section of public opinion openly evoke the 'transfer' of Palestinians whom they describe as a ‘demographic threat’.

Ethnic cleansing is simultaneously a war crime and a crime against humanity under international law.

C.Huffed

Additions

Spoiling Israel's party

30.06.2008 01:24

Samba band

Fountain no. 1

Fountain no. 2

Fountain no. 2 again

Palestinian blood on Israeli hands - Naomi on release from Charing X police stn

A very successful day. Congratulations to all who took part. Here are some
photos - enjoy.

Sue Blackwell
mail e-mail: academic_intifada@blueyonder.co.uk
Homepage: http://www.sue.be/pal

Other actions

30.06.2008 02:52

I would also like to add to this, an action I undertook for which there will soon be footage.

Wearing my short grey, ‘Mad Mel’ wig, I waited on a traffic island, opposite the statue of Eros (as there were less Israel supporters on there), waiting for the parade to approach. As they did, in full operatic voice, I started singing a parody of ‘Happy Birthday’ down my megaphone:

‘Happy birthday to you
I’m ashamed, as a Jew
Ethnic cleansing, apartheid
Unhappy birthday to you’

I then shouted, ‘Shame on you, shame on you’ in front of the JC photographer, who may have recognised me. One or two supporters actually hit me, before I was quite harshly and unnecessarily bundled by the police. I struggled and screamed as they were grabbing me from front and behind. They then took me down the road and kept me waiting. One policeman took a few details from me, while also trying to put me down and belittle what I did. In the end, a more senior officer (?) came over and warned me, saying I should not go back to where I was, otherwise they might have to take me away again.

I heard that the offical actions, like the JfJfP vigil, were also very effective. Positioned on the route of the march, they dressed in black and carried placards of the 500 villages which had been destroyed.

So, we've all thrown cold water on the Zionist party! Well done!

Deborah Fink
mail e-mail: debopera.fink@btopenworld.com

fountain no.2

30.06.2008 12:18

Protester pours "blood" into the fountain at Israel rally

The food colouring spreads...

The participants having such a great time at the blood-tainted rally

Only children notice...

The greatest measure of the event's failure to impress was how bored the actual supporters seemed to be. Lucky the protesters brought some colour to Trafalgar Square!