Omaha Protestors Standing in Solidarity with Palestine
Demonstrators on 72nd & Dodge standing in solidarity with Palestine. Image credit: Elle Love
by Elle Love & Mel Buer
On May 14, protestors occupied all four corners of the intersection at 72nd and Dodge streets to stand in solidarity with the Palestinians and protest against the occupation and bombardment by Israel. The diverse group of a little over 50 protestors stood waving Palestinian flags and carrying signs in support of a Free Palestine.
While this group of activists often holds demonstrations to mark important dates in the ongoing occupation of Palestine, last weekend’s demonstration took on renewed urgency as the Israel-Palestinian conflict continues to escalate. Organizer Sharon Conlon detailed the importance of highlighting the disparities between the two. “Palestinians...don’t have an army. They don’t have a navy. They don’t have any air force...they don’t have anything. They have stones, basically,” she said. “The Israelis have one of the most powerful armies in the world -- backed by US taxpayer dollars -- so it would seem obvious who the aggressors are.”
The group received audible support from cars honking as they drove by the 72nd and Dodge intersection, with some protestors flying Palestinian flags from their cars as they drove past the demonstration.
Demonstrator Stella Huerst said she was inspired to stand in solidarity since her daughter traveled to the area and studies international relations. “I believe Palestine is in a lot of trouble and I feel like our country is making it worse because our tax dollars support that,” she said.
A young activist showing his support of Palestine. Around 50 activists showed up to protest the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Photo credit: Elle Love
“It’s wrong, It’s against international law.”
At least 188 Palestineans have been killed in Gaza in the last week, including 55 children and 33 women, with 1,230 people wounded. On May 15, Israel bombed the 12 story al-Jalaa building where the Associated Press, TV network Al-Jazeera, and other media outlets were located. Journalists were warned an hour before the building was bombed, and didn’t have enough time to save all of their equipment. In a televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the war would go on and that the attacks were continuing “full force.” Israeli airstrikes killed at least 42 Palestinians and flattened 3 buildings in Gaza on May 16.
Another protestor, Marghee Paterson, was moved by the graphic images of the latest bombings in Gaza and wanted to show support. “Palestine has a right to exist,” she said. “I think that if the whole world stood up for Palestine this could stop tomorrow.”
For more information on the Israel-Palestine conflict explore the articles and podcasts below:
Everything you need to know about Israel-Palestine by Vox media.
Why Biden can't escape the Israeli-Palestinian conflict via POLITICO
Why Is It So Hard To Talk About Israel? via NPR’s Code Switch.