Hundreds of activists and spirited people gathered in front of Israeli Consulate in San Francisco to demand an end to Israel’s collective punishment of the Palestinian people.
Protesters called for an end to US unconditional aids to Israel, release of Palestinian political prisoners and an end to occupation of Palestinian territories.
The crowd consisted of both American and Palestinian-American youth and activists chanting slogans against Israeli regime. There was also a tiny group of opponents holding pro-Israeli signs who were outnumbered by the demonstrators.
During the rally Richard Becker, Western regional coordinator of the ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism), and Dr. Hatem Bazian, lecturer at UC Berkley and Palestinian solidarity activist, delivered speech to condemn Israeli strikes on Gaza strip.
The demonstration was organized by ANSWER Coalition and cosponsored by a broad coalition including AROC-Arab Resource & Organizing Center, Coalition for Palestinian Rights (San Francisco), Palestine Youth Movement, Code Pink Women for Peace, East Bay Arab Cultural Center, Free Palestine Movement, International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network, International Solidarity Movement, Middle East Children’s Alliance, United Holy Land Fund, and the US Palestinian Community Network.
The coalition has organized several rallies across the country in recent days and is holding more demos in upcoming days.