Michiana Pro-Palestine rally supports a free Palestine amidst conflict
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The war in Israel is sparking protests, demonstrations, and rallies across the country for both sides, including here in Michiana.
Wednesday evening, a pro-Palestine rally was organized by Michiana Friends of Palestine to show support to the people in Gaza where Israel is stepping up airstrikes
“This is just a time where I don’t think anyone can really understand how we’re feeling,” says one of the many demonstrators, Aya Saleh.
Palestinians in Michiana are making their voices heard about the war taking place in their homeland, saying they want to see a free Palestine.
“We’re peace-loving, freedom-loving people and we’re taking a stand in our community to promote human rights, to promote liberation from colonialism,” explains Ibn Althowra, a member of Michiana Friends of Palestine.
The divisive issue has others seeing demonstrations supporting Palestinians as showing support to Hamas, the extremist group at war with Israel.
“This is not about the statehood, it’s not about freedom fighting,” says David Goldenberg, Regional Director for ADL Midwest. “They celebrate the murder and attacks and incitement of violence against Jews.”
Some that came out, even a Jewish demonstrator rallying with Michiana Friends of Palestine, argues there should be able to be a discussion about the human rights of Palestinians, without it seen as support of terrorism.
“My Jewish values, my human values, and even my American values would say we need to support freedom from Palestinians,” says Pawel Orgalski, who joined in on the rally.
They feel that antisemitic assumptions and ideologies are doing more harm than good.
“As a Palestinian who’s been on this earth almost 30 years, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been called that just for standing up for my people’s rights and my people’s freedoms,” Althowra says.
They say they hope and pray for peace for their homeland just as much as those in Israel.
“I just want peace, I want freedom, I want our land to be ours again,” hopes Saleh.
Michiana Friends of Palestine says they may hold informational sessions soon to educate people on what’s happening with the war and the history of the conflict.