The “Nakba 74” rally was organized by Falastinyat, a Palestinian collective based in Seattle. The word ‘Nakba’ means ‘disaster’ or ‘catastrophe’. It refers to the disruption and destruction of Palestian society in 1948.
“These war crimes against journalists are not new. Since 2000, Israel has murdered almost 15 Palestinian journalists in cold blood,” Ranna Harb, co-founder of Falastiniyat, spoke as the crowd echoed with boos. She spoke of Israeli police forces’ use of violence against mourners during Aqleh’s funeral, and of how “the aparthied state of Israel aims to erase [Palestinians], no matter the context.”
The crowd chants, “Long Live the Intifada,” referencing the Palestinian uprising and resistance against the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip that formally began in 1987. A drum beats as Aisha Mansour, co-founder of Falastiniyat, speaks a message of hope: “A new day is coming for Palestine. A new day will come when Palestian martyrs can be buried in the village of their grandparents.”
A stray sign against a fence declaring Jewish solidarity with Palestine.
Victoria WinterRanna of @falastinyat on Instagram.
Victoria WinterVictoria Winter Protest signs present at the rally.A woman writes one of the chants in chalk, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”
Victoria WinterA couple listens to a speech at the rally.
Victoria WinterA sign speaks of the murder of Palestinian-American journalist Shereen Abu Aqleh.
Victoria WinterA second sign referencing the murder of Shereen Abu Aqleh by the Israeli state.
Victoria WinterProtestors gather with signs.
Victoria Winter An elderly couple present at the rally.
Victoria WinterA protestor brandishes a sign depicting Aqleh.
Victoria WinterVictoria Winter One man turned out, despite injury, to call for the liberation of Palestine.Two people take shifts supporting banners calling for “BDS” or ‘Boycott, Divestment, and Sactions’, a Palestinian-led movement for freedom.
Victoria WinterThe banners calling for boycotts, divestment, and sanctions.
Victoria WinterOne of the speakers present at the rally.
Victoria WinterVictoria Winter One protestor uses his keffiyeh to protect his phone from the rain as he streams the event. A keffiyeh is a traditional Arabian headdress made of cotton, initially used to protect from the sun and sand, it is now a symbol of Palestinian nationalism.Victoria Winter Families showed up, children and their mothers, were present at the rally.Victoria Winter The banners.A sign clarifies the stance that anti-zionism is not the same as anti-semetism.
Victoria Winter
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