NEW YORK, June 1, 2010 (WAFA)- More than a thousand New Yorkers took to the streets on Monday to respond to Sunday night's attack on civilian aid boats by the Israeli army that has left at least ten dead and dozens injured. A diverse crowd of protesters of all ages, including many Jewish and Palestinian people, gathered at Times Square with signs reading “End the siege on Gaza” and “Palestinians hunger for justice,” Adalah NY reported.
The group chanted, “Not another nickel, not another dime, no more money for Israel’s crimes” and sang, “Ain’t gonna let occupation turn me around, gonna keep on walking, keep boycotting, ‘til Palestine is free” as they marched down 42nd Street towards the Israeli Consulate.
On Thursday, May 27th, 200 human rights activists marched through Times Square to demand American media cover the story of the eight boats trying to break Israel's siege on Gaza, loaded with thousands of tons of humanitarian aid and building supplies, and hundreds of passengers from over thirty nations. They will gather again on Tuesday, June 1, at 5:00pm on 42nd St and 2nd Ave, near the Israeli Consulate.
'The story of hope has turned to tragedy and outrage,' said organizer Felice Gelman. Sunday night, Israeli commandos raided the boats, whose passengers had pledged nonviolent resistance and were videotaped waving white flags. According to journalists covering the attack live from the decks of the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara, the soldiers opened fire and at least ten have been confirmed killed, with as many as twenty reported by various media. The names of the dead and wounded have not been released, and one of the New York demonstrators is waiting for news about his brother, who was aboard the attacked ship. “I know I am not alone in my distress and fear for my brothers life, and share this with the 749 other families and friends of those killed, injured and being held captive, said Mosab Qashoo. “My family is on hunger strike until Osama is delivered to us, safe and sound. If anyone has any idea of his whereabouts, and whether he is safe, we beg of them to let us know.”
New Yorkers were not the only people to march on Monday. Tens of thousands of people in cities throughout the world, including inside Israel/Palestine, protested Israel’s attack. In a demonstration at the Kalandia checkpoint near Ramallah, 21-year-old Emily Henochowicz, a student at Cooper Union in New York, lost her eye after being shot in the face with a tear gas canister by an Israeli soldier.
