On June 28, the ANSWER Coalition put out a statement condemning the Israeli assault on Gaza and calling for emergency protests. Below please find an initial round up of events that we
have participated in following the Call to Action issued by the A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition last
Wednesday. For the latest ANSWER statement on the Israeli assault, click here.
LOS ANGELES
Thursday, June 29
The Los Angeles demonstration was very successful, drawing about 200 people, the majority of whom were Palestinian and Arab, in front of the Israeli consulate on Wilshire. It was initiated jointly by A.N.S.W.E.R. LA and the National Council of Arab-Americans (NCA). The Muslim Students Association (MSA) from several area schools mobilized for it. There was a big media turnout. The short rally was chaired by Muna Coobtee, on behalf of A.N.S.W.E.R. and the NCA. Speakers included Sabiha Adeed, the President of the MSA chapter from UCLA, and Juan Jose Gutierrez, from Latino Movement USA and the International May 1 Coalition.
WASHINGTON DC
Thursday, June 29
A.N.S.W.E.R. and the Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation initiated a protest/press conference in front of the Israeli Embassy. There was a rally and participants held signs and chanted for about an hour and a half. Press in attendance included Reuters and Muslim Link. Below are photos from the event. Images used with permission. Copyright ? 2006 Aishah Schwartz.
NEW YORK CITY
Friday, June 30
A.N.S.W.E.R., Al-Awda New York, and the New York Chapter of the National Council of Arab-Americans called the demonstration in front of the Israeli Mission to the UN. Around 150 people turned out. Al-Awda chaired the program, and there were speakers from the other endorsing organizations and those in attendance. After two hours of spirited speeches and chanting, the crowd marched to the UN.
SAN FRANCISCO
Monday, July 3
Over 500 Palestinians from around Northern California and their supporters protested in front of the Israeli Consulate in San Francisco Monday afternoon against the brutal assault launched by the Israeli occupation forces against the entire population of Gaza. The loud and militant demonstration filled the sidewalks in front of the consulate on both sides of Montgomery and drowned out a pro Israeli group of about 30 people. Photos by Bill Hackwell.