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29 June 2008

Against 'Salute to Israel'

Yesterday (Sunday 29th June) members of ISM London staged an action against the 'Salute to Israel' rally in Trafalgar Square, London.

According to the organisers the rally was designed to 'celebrate 60 years of the State of Israel' and was an 'affirmation of solidarity with, and support of Israel.'

Hundreds of Israel supporters came to hear Jewish and Israeli music, as well as a speeches including one from British government minister and possible future Labour Party leader Ed Balls.

The activists selected a prominent spot at side of Trafalgar Square and then revealed a banner with the words '60 Years of Ethnic Cleansing is Nothing to Celebrate', visible to everyone.

The banner was on display for a few minutes as several press photographers took pictures. An enraged Israel supporter then jumped up and tore the banner in half.

Zionist security personnel and Israel supporters menaced the activists, but the Police arrived and calmed the situation. The activists were told their actions were 'a provocation' and threatened with arrest. The activists agreed to move to a designated protest zone away from the rally, where the banner was taped back together.

Other activists from anti-Zionist groups including Action Palestine, the British Muslim Initiative and Jews for Justice for Palestinians gradually filled the protest zone; together they formed a loud and colourful demonstration against the rally.

The climax came towards the end when activists released dozens of black ballons, symbolising the bleak fate that befell the Palestinian people after the formation of Israel 60s years ago on Palestinian land.

The intense security, Israeli flags, patriotic songs and self-congratulatory speeches created an atmosphere of fervent nationalism. It sat uneasily in the centre of a world city, famous for multi-culturalism and proud of its ethnic diversity and tolerance.

Other reports and pictures are on Indymedia UK:
No Salute to Israel, 60 Years of Apartheid is Nothing to Celebrate

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