On March 19, a gathering of around 100 people protested in San Jose against the violence in Gaza and Yemen, resulting in significant casualties. Protesters condemned complicity in the warfare, emphasized solidarity with Palestinian and Yemeni rights, and called for divestment from corporations involved in war efforts. Key speakers highlighted the interconnectedness of domestic and foreign oppression and urged continued activism for justice.

On March 19, approximately 100 individuals convened in front of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library in San Jose, California, to protest against the ongoing violence in Gaza and Yemen, which has resulted in the deaths of over 400 Palestinians and 50 Yemenis. Demonstrators displayed signs such as “We will not be complicit,” “Divest from Alphabet and Microsoft,” and a banner proclaiming “I support Palestinian Human Rights,” while chanting slogans like “Free Palestine.”

Philip Nguyen, an SEIU 521 steward, expressed concerns about the effectiveness of ceasefires, stating, “The ceasefire was only temporary to reset Israel’s military forces – that much is clear now more than ever. Our taxpayer dollars are lining the pockets of war profiteers to sell bombs and drones.” He urged participants to advocate for divestment.

Mike Annab, a Palestinian American involved with San Jose Against War, remarked on the shared values between Palestinians and Americans, saying, “The Palestinian and American people share a lot in common; they both share a love of freedom and liberty and a disdain for injustice and oppression,” encouraging the crowd to remain engaged in the cause for Gaza.

Andy Schaefer of San Jose Against War connected domestic and international aggression, emphasizing, “An attack against one is an attack against all,” highlighting threats faced by both immigrant and Palestinian communities. He urged unity against oppression in various forms.

Lena Hanson recounted her poignant experience in the West Bank, saying, “I held the hand of a dear friend two days before he died from cancer… Israel did not allow him to go into Jerusalem to get lifesaving treatment because that is what an occupying force does.” She denounced the normalization of apartheid in Israel.

Drusie Kazanova, another organizer, denounced acts of violence against resistance movements, asserting that such actions reveal the frailty of the Zionist regime and its U.S. sponsor. She stated, “Let us not be fooled – these attacks do not indicate the strength of the Zionist regime… these paper tigers resort to genocidal violence when fighting a losing battle.” Kazanova concluded by rallying crowd support for ongoing resistance against oppressive forces.

The protest in San Jose showcased solidarity and the commitment of community members to advocate for Palestinian and Yemeni rights, while emphasizing the importance of continued pressure on governments and corporations involved in these conflicts.

In summary, the San Jose protest illuminated the collective voice of community members against the violence faced in Gaza and Yemen. The speakers emphasized the need for solidarity across different communities that share a commitment to justice and freedom. Organizers and participants alike called for accountability and divestment, underscoring their determination to oppose the normalization of oppression and to continue advocating for those impacted by conflict.

Original Source: fightbacknews.org

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