Gaza – Israel Demonstrations and Protests Around The World and the US.

12/31/2008 11:25:00 PM

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large_718095To quote a line:  “This business will get out of control.  It will get out of control and we’ll be lucky to live through it.”

Yesterday, Dec. 30th, 2008 there were many, many Pro-Palestinian demonstrations across the country.  Nearly all, numbering more than 50, were organized by A.N.S.W.E.R. , a U.S. based organization.  ANSWER stands for “Act Now To Stop War and End Racism”.

A “National Day of Action” to show solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza was organized by ANSWER, in conjunction with the Muslim American Society Freedom, Free Palestine Alliance, National Council of Arab American and Al-Awda, and the International Palestine Right to Return Coalition.  From their website, they state:

“…to be a National Day of Action and are continuing to call for emergency demonstrations across the country to show solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza and to demand an immediate end to the murderous attacks carried out by the Israeli military against the people of Gaza.”

Now I blogged yesterday asking a couple questions.  If ANSWER is really an anti-war, anti-racism, anti-terrorist, anti-imperialist organization as they claim, them why didn’t they organize protests when Hamas, who are on the US terrorist list and whose charter includes the annihilation of the Jews in Israel, was sending rockets and mortars across the border on a daily basis?  That activity is an Imperialist act.

And if they are a true anti-war organization, they why are they not protesting against BOTH Hamas and Israel, but instead choosing to only protest against Israel?  This makes them guilty of anti-Semitism. 

Several anti-war protests in San Francisco organized by ANSWER Coalition featured imagery and slogans some considered anti-Semitic, including the burning of the Israel flag, chants of support for terrorist groups like Hezbolla and Nazi-like arm salutes.”  ANSWERS defense?  “We strongly abhor all forms of racism and bigotry, including anti-Semitism.  At the same time, we don’t believe that criticism of Israeli government policies should be labeled as anti-Semitism any more than criticism of U.S. government policy should be labeled as anti-American.”

But here’s a small sampling of protests around the world and in the United States yesterday.  Okay, maybe more than a small sampling.

PROTESTS WITH VIOLENCE AROUND THE WORLD

 

Antwerp, Belgium

Jewish groups have condemned a Belgian public broadcaster, VRT, for airing a show in which a standup comedian jokes about the Holocaust and the persecution of Jews.  Philippe Geubels, the comedian stated that the Holocaust cannot happen again because “Jews are much smarter now.”  “They have spread across the world.  Try rounding them up!  Most are in America so you cannot send them by train to Germany” to die in gas chambers.  “What are they going to do if there is a big gas leak in Antwerp?  Take the city to court for provocation?”  Additionally VRT came under criticism for a recent ad about a travel show focusing on Berlin.  It showed a drawing of Hitler as a male stripper giving the Nazi salute in front of a swastika flag.  That triggered a protest by teh Germany embassy, which called it “totally tasteless.”

Meanwhile, representatives of Hezbollah are scheduled to speak in the conference hall of the Belgian Parliament.  The Hezbollah representatives and the managers of the terrorist organization’s Al Manar TV will address a symposium on Palestine prisoners in Israeli jails.

The Arab European League (AEL) organized this demonstration.  After the protest disbanded the demonstrators marched towards Jewish neighborhoods, clashing with the police.  Car windows were broken, trams and buses were attacked.  Now many Jews are afraid to go to out into the streets fearing vandalism and violence.

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Odenza, Denmark

A group of Arab youths opened fire Wednesday evening on a number of Israelis working at a mall in the Danish city of Odenza.  The Israelis, who were operating a stall in the shopping center, were lightly wounded in their legs.

But thanks to ANSWER, they have brought a nice little taste of Gaza City to the streets of America.

London, England

In London, and anti-Israel protestor snatched a policeman’s cap and set it on fire during a protest.  Some climbed israel’s embassy gates and were restrained by police.  Crowds chanted, “Palestine must be free from the river to the sea.”

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And according to a person on YouTube by the name of “NiceIslamMedia101” which has an icon of a Hamas supporter, and a video that begins showing a Hamas flag, there will be additional protests in London nearly every day.  There is a link for more information which leads to the “Palestine Solidarity Campaign” website.

Tehran, Iran

Hundreds of Iranian radicals stormed the British compound in Tehran last night, replacing the Union flag with a Palestinian one and held the consulate for about an hour.  Additionally a “fire bomb” was thrown at the gates.  A hardline Iranian news agency said that protests against Britain and Egypt, whose embassy was also targeted, would continue.

One demonstrator told the AP TV service:  “We brought down the British flag and put up the flag of Palestine so we can send our message.”  He said the people of Gaza were being ignored by the world and referred to Britain as an “old sleeping fox”.

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Also yesterday, the Mash’had branch of the Basiji Students gathered and took to violent protesting in front of the main gates of the Saudi Arabian consulate.  They chanted slogans against Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq and Jordan while carrying placards that had "traitor”, “coward” and “whore” on them.  In addition, they threw rocks and heavy objects through the windows of the consulate building.  One of the chants was “Woe is you, if Khamenei gives me my orders of Jihad.”
 
And one more incident occurred at the office of Saudi Arabia’s state-owned airline in Tehran over a Saudi-backed peace initiative with Israel.  The group, identified as Ikhwan al-Radwan, or Brothers of Heaven, attacked the office with several Molotov cocktails.  Minor damage was reported.  The initiative offers Israel normal relations with all Arab countries if it withdraws from lands occupied in 1967 Arab-Israeli war and allows the creation of a Palestinian state with a capital in Jerusalem.


Stockholm, Sweden

Hundreds of demonstrators marched through the Swedish capital to protest against Israel, setting an Israeli flag on fire, and changing, “Israel, murderer, ” “Gaza solidarity,” and “Close the embassy.”  “Enough blood!  We’ve seen enough,” an organizer with the Swedish Islamic Association told the AFP.

DEMONSTRATION MOT ISRAEL

 

PROTESTS IN THE UNITED STATES

Coming Soon To A Neighborhood Near You
And all this in the name of Allah [God].   Radical Islam is NOT a religion, it is a political doctrine of world domination masked as a religion.  The demonstrations as seen below, are what will get the United States into a state of Martial Law, especially if violence as seen in other countries begins.   Now remember, ANSWER is SUPPOSE to be against anti-Semitism.

Los Angeles, California

Pro-Palestine

About 100 people gathered outside the Federal Building in Westwood.  Another protest was underway outside the Israeli Consulate on Wilshire Blvd east of Beverly Hills, where Los Angeles police kept two groups of chanting protestors and supporters separate.

As part of the effort, Friday prayer meetings at more than 70 mosques throughout Southern CA will be dedicated to victims of the attacks.  There are an estimated 650,000 Muslims living in So. Cal.

Hussam Ayloush of the Council on American-Islamic Relations said “This is an illegal bombardment by Israel.  It is barbaric and it’s even more barbaric that it’s being done by the Bush Administration.”  “Gaza’s people are prisoners in their own land.  We depend on the help of the American people.”

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Sacramento, California

Pro-Palestine

 

San Francisco, California

Pro-Palestine

This one looks CRAZY nutz.  Take a look at “At the back of the hill” to find out what this protest was really like, from a non-Palestinian point of view.

 

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Washington, DC

Pro-Palestine

About 750 keffiyeh-wearing Palestine supporters chanted outside the US State Department.  Other reports state only close to 200 participated.  What is interesting to note, is that when it came 5pm, out of the 750, only about 30 chose to participate in prayer.  This was an ANSWER rally, that was organized by Brian Becker.  Also present was Mara Verheyden-Hillard from the National Lawyers’ Guild.

 

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Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Pro-Palestine

Quotes that can be clearly heard and note, while people line street and street corners:

A Hijab is a “modest dress for women” that can include a veil to cover the face.   The following is yelled by a woman in a partial Hijab, obviously NOT showing ANY modest behavior.  ”You’re losers!  Your losers! Losers!  Your mother’s a whore!  Your mother’s a whore!  You’re losers.  Yea, fuck yourself,”  while carrying a sign that says “Nuke Israel”.  She additionally yelled, “Nuke Israel.  There is no Israel.”  Obviously she knows NOTHING about her claimed religion, for if she acted this way in Gaza, she would be at a minimum, stoned to death for her actions.

A group of men yelling and chanting at a car, “Go to Hell!  Go to Hell!”  Note, they are smiling the entire time with one man carrying a sign saying “Nuke Israel.  Go to Hell”.

Another woman, again wearing a partial burka:  “Go steal other lands!  Go!  Murderers!  Go back to the oven!  You need a big oven, that’s what you need!”

Eventually the crowd begins to get out of control and break through a police line.  The Pro-Palestinians cross the street, block the street and approach Israel supporters.  Finally, the police step in.  You can hear on pro-Israel supporter saying “They are so violent.”

 

Additional video via “Atlas Shrugs” of the same protest.

 
 

Tampa, Florida

Pro-Palestine

 

Atlanta, Georgia

Pro-Palestine

 

Kailua, Hawaii

Pro-Palestine

According to the AP, "A small group of placard-waving pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered near U.S. President-elect Barack Obama’s vacation retreat in Hawaii.”

[Obviously these people don’t know that President Bush has sent $85 billion to the UN that is marked for aid to Gaza and the West Bank.]

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Boston, Massachusetts [Park Plaza]

Pro-Israel & Pro-Palestine

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Boston, Massachusetts

Pro-Palestinian
 
Pro-Israel

 

Dearborn, Michigan

Pro-Palestine

Approximately 5,000 people showed up for this protest with the streets lined for eight city blocks.  Some marchers chanted, “Gaza, Gaza dont’ cry, Palestine will never die” and “Israel is a terrorist state.”  Others chanted, in Arabic, “God is Great” and “a martyr is beloved of God.”

One protestor said that the responsibility for the Israeli attack lies with the US government, which “gives billions of dollars in military aide to Israel.”

Another protestor said he marched to protest, “the aggression and the use of excessive force” by Israel in Gaza.  “These are nothing but terrorist acts.”

One group of protestors carried a mock coffin decorated with pictures of dead and injured Arab children and labeled “U.S. Tax Dollars at Work” and “Victims of Zionism.”

Many spoke to at this protest said they had “hope that Obama would address the plight of the Palestinians.”

This protest was called by the Congress of Arab American Organizations.  Spokesman Osama Siblani said, “There is disappointment and anger in our community and we need to express it toward the current U.S. administration that has given a blank check to the Israelis.”

The Detroit area has the largest and most concentrated Arab American population in the country, with as many as 350,000 residents in Southeast Michigan of Arab ancestry.

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New York City, New York
Pro-Palestine

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Over a thousand New Yorkers marched through midtown Manhattan, chanting and carrying signs and Palestinian flags on Tuesday.  This demonstration was brought together by the ANSWER Coalition, the Muslim American SOciety NY, Free Palestine Alliance, National Council of Arab Supporters, and Al-Awda NY and Al-Asalah NY, among others.

They all gathered in front of the Permanent Mission of Israel to the UN.  The spectators covered the sidewalk of the entire block at the corner of 42nd and 2nd Ave.  This was the third day in a row for Pro-Palestinian protesting in midtown.

Demonstrators chanted in both Arabic and English, waving Palestinian flags and carrying placards with phrases such as “Olmert, Olmert, What do you say?  How many kids have you killed today?” and “Viva viva Palestina.”

Pamphlets were handed out, including a petition to be sent to House Reps, which demands that the US condemn the war in the strongest terms, and that it uphold the Fourth Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Times of War.

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Pro-Israel
Full Album

Across the street from 42nd and 2nd Ave was also a pro-Israel counter-protest.  Some insults were hurled at these demonstrators.  “You should be ashamed of yourself!  Stop the ethnic cleansing!” on man screamed.

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Ocala, Florida

Pro-Palestine

Roughly two dozen demonstrators gathered Tuesday in from of the Lockheed Martin plant in Silver Springs Shores.  Lockheed Martin makes components for Hellfire missiles.  One woman states, “This is not over.  This is not going to be over for quite some time and this is just the beginning of another long, long, long piece of disturbance in the Middle East.”

One Lockheed employee, saw the protest, went home and got her two adult daughters.  They returned to the scene and counter-protested across the street.  The three shouted:  “Support our troops”, “God Bless America,” and “If you’re so proud of it, go back to Gaza.”

I agree with both women’s statements.

 

Dallas, Texas

Pro-Palestinian protestors converged at the Dealy Plaza in Dallas.

 

ADDITIONAL PROTESTS

Phoenix, Arizona

A QUESTION AND MY RANT ON

Now fair warning. I’ve NEVER been considered to be politically correct, however, I am known to speak my mind, fairly on many matters.  I am known to listen to both sides, in their entirety, and then go from there.  And I do not take race, religion, or sex into consideration.  I look at it from the point of view of ethics, simply right and wrong.  

In this case, is it right to kill people.  Well, that’s according to what you believe.  If you are a Christian, the only time it is “okay”, if you will, to kill another person, along with man’s law, is during War.  This also includes police actions when one must defend themselves.  However, according to other religions, those who do not believe in their religion, and will not convert, should die, all in the name of God.  To kill those who do not believe in what you believe, is considered to be a “Holy” act.  Yet, when those same people are attacked, and killed, then they are the ones calling it murder.  Does this EVEN make sense?  Can you say hypocrites?  Please, if you are Islamic, please explain that logic to me.  And please don’t say that it’s different because Israel is killing children.  Hamas is just as guilty of the same crime, if you want to put it that way.

But I have one small question for those who believe in Islam.  And remember, I am not Jewish, I am not Muslim, and I certainly wouldn’t be considered Christian.  But the question is, “Why are the Jews so bad?”  Tell me exactly why they are bad.  Who told you that the Jews are bad people?  What is the basis for that prior to say, 42 years ago?  What exactly did they do, more than 100 years ago, that was so bad?  If you can not answer this question, other than because people have told you that, and because your “religion” tells you that, then you are guilty of racism.  Welcome to the modern world, not a third world country.

And if you are not racist, then why are you supporting people who chose to vote in Hamas in their government, an organization that is considered a terrorist organization by nearly every country in the world, that has in their charter, the annihilation of Jews.  That ladies and gentlemen, is genocide.  Its not so nice when it comes back in your face does it?

Now if you are a follower of Islam, you aren’t going to like the way I’ve worded that question about Jews.  But I, who is not a follower of Islam, or a Jew, who is an outsider, is trying to understand BOTH points of view from BOTH sides.  You can take the attitude that I will never understand because I’m not a follower of Islam and will end up in Hell, or that it’s none of my business, well.. it is my business because this is happening on the streets of the country I live in. 

And hey, I’ve been on my way to Hell for a long time, so no biggie in that threat.  I never proclaim that I am perfect, and I will certainly go to Heaven.  You as a person do not have the right to judge whether I will go to Hell or Heaven, only God can make that judgment.  And if that is my destiny, then so be it.  Your words of a “devil” or whatever you call those who are not followers of Islam, and saying I should die because of my beliefs does not offend me.  Lemme put it this way, I don’t have a problem slinging around a few slabs of bacon in bacon grease coated hands which would do absolutely no physical damage to you.   However, is violence towards my attitude worth losing your 40some virgins and existing in Hell for eternity?

Because if anything, I propose a campaign for PEACE on the streets of the United States between Pro-Palestinians and those who are Pro-Israel.   Everyone is entitled to the right to assembly and the right to free speech thanks to our Constitution.  That is something that is NOT available in MOST Middle East countries, especially to women.  And general human rights and ethics entitles you to your own opinion, whether in my opinion, my neighbors opinion, or the person next to me’s opinion is different.  Again, an option that is NOT available in MOST Middle East countries. 

However, name calling, encroachment, and violence towards an opposite group because of religion and race are not.   That is a hate crime here in the United States.   I understand that the laws of Israel and of Gaza are different from here in the United States, but so should you.  You live in the United States, not in Israel and not in Gaza.  Please do NOT bring the Middle East conflict to OUR streets.  Isn’t the fighting and way of life there the reason you left and came to the United States to live free?

And if you are so proud of your land, and state that an injustice is being done, instead of bringing violence to our streets here in the United States, go back to Gaza and fight alongside Hamas against Israel.

What you need to realize is that yes, the United States gave aid to Israel however, in the past few days President Bush also gave $85 million in aide to the UN marked for Gaza and the West bank.  That’s more money per person for Gaza and the West Bank, than we as Americans got in our “stimulus” checks last year.  Our president gave Gaza and the West Bank more money per person for aid, that Congress gave us for economic help.

And if you tell me that I have to make a choice?  Then my choice is going to be those who break the law in the United States, according to our laws here, not the laws of Israel or of Gaza, should go to jail.  Obviously you don’t like the way we do things here in the United States, so go back to the Middle East where your life was so much better than here… and take your never ending war with you.  Oh wait, or is that why you came to the United States, so you could be free. 

HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM

Here’s an easy one.  Israel stops firing.  If Hamas sends a rocket across the border, without provocation, then Israel has the right to send a Hellfire missile in.  If Hamas sends two rockets or mortars across the border, unprovoked, then Israel has the right to send two Hellfire missiles in.  Deal?  I’m sure there’s something in Islam that is similar to “An eye for an eye.”  You say that’s no end to the war?  Well, hasn’t Hamas been attacking Israel for about ohh.. what seven years and Palestine never complained while you cheered Hamas on?  And what about all the other years, basically since the beginning of time?

Because ultimately, the below picture is what all should be working for.  Palestinians and Jews side by side, for the same cause.  Peace between them both.

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