On November 9th, Melbourne activists answered the Palestinian Call to Action with a mobilization of more than 100 people on the busy footpath of Brunswick Street in the suburb of Fitzroy. A mock Wall was built across the footpath to draw the attention of pedestrians to the injustice being served to Palestinians at the hands of Israeli Occupation and the construction of the Apartheid Wall. Essential information about the Wall and its impact on Palestinian communities and livelihood was distributed to hundreds of people passing by through a mock ‘checkpoint permit’.
***image2***In addition, several passionate speakers addressed the crowd to collectively condemn the Israeli Occupation and Apartheid Wall as well as to provide vital information and encourage ongoing mobilization. The head of the General Palestinian Delegation in Australia spoke of the daily hardships Palestinians endure under Occupation, while others called on the Australian government to end its complacency with Israeli oppression, drew links between Occupation in Iraq and Palestine, addressed the needs of Palestinian refugees and lead the crowd in chants. Representatives of local solidarity groups, including Women for Palestine, the Greens Party, the Socialist Alliance and trade unionists also took part in the activities and added their voices to the rally for justice.
The protests gained significant media coverage and were well-received by passers-by in support of Palestinian freedom. All in attendance spoke to a strong commitment to continue the struggle against both the Apartheid Wall and Israel’s wider oppression of the Palestinian people.
Mobilization will continue with a Public Meeting at Brunswick Town Hall and additional events. For more information, please contact hamishmcpherson@hotmail.com.