***image1***On June 6, which marked the 42nd anniversary of the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, as well as on June 10, hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets across California to rally against the ongoing colonization of Palestinian land and in support of the people of Gaza.
The protests on the 6th in Anaheim and the 10th in San Francisco were specifically focused on ending the blockade of Gaza, which has been under comprehensive siege since 2006. The blockade has not been lifted despite the increased international attention that has been placed on Gaza following the brutal assault on the Strip in December and January. Only a fraction of the necessary food, medicine, and other supplies are being allowed into Gaza, while other basic materials, such as concrete, are banned completely.
Recognizing that the ongoing crisis in Gaza and ethnic cleansing in the West Bank would not be possible without American complicity, and protestors demanded that the Obama administration end its unyielding material and diplomatic support to the Israeli government and military. Participants also spoke about the need to make the voice of the Palestinian people heard around the world, and expressed their solidarity with the Palestiniansâ right to defend themselves against the constant violence they face from Occupation forces.
The actions in California were coordinated with similar events throughout the United States, and were endorsed by a myriad of organizations, including the ANSWER Coalition, Free Palestine Alliance, Al-Awda, the Palestine Right to Return Coalition, Muslim American Society Freedom, and World Canât Wait.
Click for photos of Los Angeles and for photos of San Francisco.