LONDON - 11 June 2007 - 545 words
London: Pax Christi join national rally for justice in the Holy Land
Thousands of demonstrators came to Trafalgar Square on Saturday, to show their support for the Palestinians living under occupation, in a rally marking the 40th anniversary of the Six-Day War and subsequent occupation of the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. Similar events took place in other cities around the world. The rally was organised by Enough! a coalition of over 50 charities, faith groups and trade unions.
On Pentecost Sunday, Church leaders of
Jerusalem issued the following statement about the anniversary:
"This year marks the 40th anniversary of occupation by the
Israelis of land previously held by Palestinians. It is totally
unacceptable for the situation to continue where the Palestinians
endure daily hardships and humiliations with deprivations of international
human rights, allegedly to ensure the safety and security of the
Israelis, whereas we believe the security of Israel is dependent
on the freedom and justice of the Palestinians."
.A host of speakers urged those taking part to work for dialogue
and political change to bring justice for the people of Palestine.
Anglican Bishop Riah Abu El Assal, spoke movingly of the role of Jerusalem as the capital of the Holy Land, saying that the shortest way to peace in the world is through peace in Jerusalem. He urged political leaders to be peace makers and not just peace talkers. Bruce Kent called for a spirit of hope - drawing on the recent peace plan in Northern Ireland as a sign of how situations of injustice and violence can be turned around.
Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Corrigan Maguire who recently visited Palestine, spoke of the parallels between her own country Northern Ireland and Palestine. She reminded those listening that thirty years ago she stood at this same spot calling for peace, justice and human rights for the people of Northern Ireland and today she made the same appeal for the people of Palestine.
Netan'l Silverman, a former Israeli soldier, spoke of the work of Combatants for Peace, a group of former Israeli soldiers and Palestinian fighters, and of the culture of fear which keeps people apart and breeds violence. Combatants for Peace seek to challenge acts of violence in Israel / Palestine and to encourage nonviolent resistance to the occupation.
Mustafa Barghouti, the Palestinian Authorities'
Minister of Information addressed the rally calling for international
support to the democratically elected government. He compared
the situation to apartheid South Africa stating that "Israel
cannot be changed from within, there needs to be pressure from
outside". His call for a boycott of Israel was echoed by
several speakers. He also called for the release of Alan Johnston.
Two other members of the Palestinian government, the Minister
of Education (who is now under Israeli detention) and the Minister
of Planning, had intended to attend the rally, but were not granted
visas by Britain. In a video message to the crowd, Prime Minister
Ismael Haniya said that Israel had conquered the land, but that
it had failed to conquer the people. He called for a Palestinian
state with Jerusalem as its capital.
Several British politicians also called for an end to the occupation,
including Jeremy Corbyn MP and Baroness Jenny Tonge, who are both
patrons of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, as well as Richard
Burden MP, Emily Thornberry MP, George Galloway MP and Caroline
Lucas MEP.
Alison Shepherd, President of the Trade Union Congress stated
that the TUC had renewed its policy of support to the Palestinians
last year and had started a campaign to add its voice to the growing
call for an end to occupation. She highlighted the worsening economic
situation, increased poverty, and the exploitation of Palestinian
workers. Keith Sonnet, Deputy General Secretary of UNISON, also
spoke of the need to recognise international law and called for
the wall to be brought down.
Two celebrities, both British Jews, addressed the rally, Alexei
Sayle, and Miriam Margolyes, by video message.
The ENOUGH Coalition, made up of more
than 50 organisations including Pax Christi, War on War, Quaker
Peace & Social Witness, Jews for Justice for Palestinians,
Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Interpal, Medical Aid for Palestine
and a number of Trade Unions will now work towards a of Lobby
of Parliament which will take place in November.
For more information see: www.paxchristi.org.uk
and www.enoughoccupation.org
Source: Pax Christi/Enough
© Independent Catholic News 2007
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