A peaceful March for Palestine on International Women’s Day brought out about 25 protesters to Railroad Plaza on West Main Street in Lansdale Friday afternoon, who were there with Montgomery County for Liberation, and Party for Socialism and Liberation-Phialdelphia to support a free Palestine and the rights of Palestinian women.
Meanwhile, across the street, a handful of supporters of Israel opposed the march with chants, loud music and airhorns.
The March for Palestine group spoke about the mission behind their cause at the protest. Their chants and march continued for a few hours down West Main and East Main streets toward Memorial Park, carrying signs emblazoned with messages like "People United Will Never Be Defeated,” "We Are Not Numbers We Love Life” and "Cease Fire Now.” Four people held up a huge black sign emblazoned with "Stop Using Our Tax Dollars For Genocide.”
Most of the March for Palestine group were reluctant to talk on record, as they were very concerned about their identities being leaked, due to numerous threats they had received.
"Our organization is for liberation and peace for every person in the world,” said a March for Palestine organizer named Naz. "Any atrocities happening. Not just with Palestine – it’s Sudan, it’s Congo, it’s Haiti. As Americans, we are here to make sure our women get their rights.”
Naz said there are minorities who need help with getting a solid education and financial support for their families.
"There are immigrant families that need help too, but they don’t know where to go. We want to be that organization that educates, liberates, and helps others out, in the U.S. and outside the world,” Naz said.
The Israel supporters did not wish to be interviewed for the article. One protester pointed to the Palestine group and said, "I’m just here to protest against them.” They showed support for Israel by waving flags and holding signs stating "End Hamas Terrorism” and "Philly Stands With Israel.”
According to Montgomery County for Liberation’s Instagram post, International Women’s Day is not only a global day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, but also to remember "the revolutionary women who have given up their lives fighting against imperialism, fascism, colonialism” and so forth.
MC4L advised its protestors that they are individually responsible for their actions, and asked its participants to not trespass on premises, to not engage in damage of property or vandalism, to not block roads or entrances, to not intimidate bystanders, and to not talk to law enforcement and divulge information to them other than required by law, but do comply with lawful orders, per the Instagram post.
MC4L and PSLPhilly advised participants via Instagram to not engage with counter-protesters, and if they must, to ask them to talk calmly about differences.
"It has been 5 months of non-stop killing of the Palestinians. Over 35K have been killed which includes women, pregnant women, children, and men,” stated the post. "Let us come together and preach about our historical women who have empowered us to keep fighting for others who are oppressed. Let us continue with their legacy.”
Lansdale Police were on scene for public safety and did not
intervene in the protest.
