The recent escalation of the Palestinian conflict is the crisis of a generation. Likewise, protesting Palestinian genocide warrants escalating beyond rallies at the Legislature.
Two dozen Palestinian supporters rallied at Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke MP Randall Garrison‘s office in Victoria, demanding their representative denounce the Israeli onslaught and support a ceasefire, amid a massive humanitarian crisis that has sharply divided public opinion and mobilised the masses worldwide.
The rally was held in coordination with a national campaign of Palestinian solidarity sit-ins targeting 17 different MPs’ offices, including that of NDP leader Jagmeet Singh. It also follows a wave of rallies at the Legislature, the latest held just yesterday.
In contrast to some other affiliated rallies elsewhere in the country, this one saw no police intervention. The office apparently decided to weather the storm hoping it would pass without incident. Besides, only a few protesters actually occupied the space, and then only the entrance, the rest picketing outside, so actual disruption was minimal.
The participants particularly objected to the indiscriminate slaughter of civilians, many of whom children, some whose portraits were displayed alongside claims their murder had been carried out using weapons paid for by Western taxpayers. They demanded an immediate ceasefire and the end of the Israeli blockade preventing humanitarian aid from reaching the Gaza strip.
I am not aware that Randall Garrison himself spoke to the protesters. Instead, an employee came at the counter about thirty minutes before closure in order to inquire about their intentions. Participants had already elected to withdraw peacefully by then, and disengaged without incident.
The organisers of this ad hoc event announced more direct action to follow before dispersing. Details have yet to be announced.
Today we didn't merely clamour for a ceasefire abroad; we also denounced violence happening right here in Victoria.
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Never take your rights for granted. Women in particular know even hard-earned ones are never far from being taken away.
Although the event was a relative success, its outcome leaves me most apprehensive. Regretfully, we had to end it early.
When Jews rally at your doorstep complaining that your antisemitism motion is offensive bullshit, take the hint, Marg Gardiner.
