Victoria Keeps Rallying for Palestine, Prays for Ceasefire to Hold

115 protesters gathered at the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in Victoria, for the sixty-eighth weekend in a row, marching across town holding a vigil for the innocent victims of the genocide in Gaza and brainstorming new ways to further the cause of Palestinian liberation.

This iteration was the first since October 2023 not to feature a parade across town, popular with supporters but alienating many locals. The organisers made it a point to pause marching as long as the fragile ceasefire holds. While attendance noticeably dwindled from the regular 150 of the last several months, commitment remains strong.

Instead of the usual noise demonstration, the crowd observed moments of silence in honour of the conflict’s victims, many of whom were children of the youngest age. Tentative death tolls in the tens of thousands were on display on the steps of the Legislature, although any accurate a figure may only come many years down the road. Small candles were to be lit at the location as well, but would not remain so due to the breeze.

The event’s program featured songs and poetry, art, and soul-searching activities. Protesters were asked to share their perspective on the movement and propose steps the local community could undertake to advocate for Palestine, should of course the fledgling ceasefire hold. After sixty-seven weeks of parades in town, the change of pace and formula was more than welcome by the attendance, who had grown wearied of a drawn-out protesting campaign with disappointing outcomes.

Of course ten among regular Zionist interlopers goaded the crowd from a few metres behind, to no effect. A Kolot Mayim Reform Temple rabbi was recorded angrily kicking a protester’s sign, but otherwise there was no confrontation.

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