Substantial turnout for the “All out for Palestine” protest at the Connecticut capitol on Tuesday. Organized by American Muslims for Palestine and Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of Connecticut.
“Gaza Gaza don’t cry, Palestine will never die,” and “Resistance is justified when people are occupied,” amongst other chants could be heard from far away.
According to the American Muslims for Palestine Connecticut chapter, recent events with Gaza and Palestine urged an emergency rally to take action quickly.
Layan Alnajjar, former president of Students for Justice in Palestine at UConn said the “All out for Palestine” protest is to keep the resistance alive.
“I want people to understand that the oppressed have a right to fight back against their oppressor,” Layan Alnajjar said. “Resistance is justified when people are occupied.”
The American Muslims for Palestine Connecticut said to be mindful of media sources.
Basel Alnajjar a member of AMPC, said Palestine-Israel conflicts are not isolated events and these circumstances have persisted longer than disclosed.
“They’re looking at it in a vacuum, they’re looking at it within the past day, maybe a week, maybe a month that there has been violence on both sides,” Basel Alnajjar said. “But in actuality, this has been something that’s going on for 75 years. 75 years of occupation, genocide, war crimes, land theft.”
Layann Alnajjar said people can easily stick to one narrative being pushed without considering understanding the context.
“Of course, you’re gonna believe the side of the oppressor but it’s very important to do your own research, educate yourself,” Layan Alnajjar said. “To see the pattern in history on how this has happened with every tale of colonization.”
Farah Suede said Americans should research politicians’ voting patterns and stances before using their vote.
“Americans looking in this situation and trying to gauge what to do is to remember what’s the most powerful and first and foremost, that’s your vote,” Suede said.
Suede said supporters can boycotts, divestment, and sanctions towards Israeli companies and supporting Palestinian-owned businesses.
“Second of all, ‘the power of the purse’, put your money where your mouth is,” Suede said. “Boycott divest sanction. Look into Israeli vas companies look into companies that have put out stances in support of Israel and don’t put your money with them. That is a valuable investment of not only your time and money but also your energy, your support.”
Suede said historical patterns show supporting oppressors and urges awareness of tax money allocations.
Layan Alnajjar mentions such historical patterns.
“To say we cannot fight back is to tell Haitians to not resist their French occupiers and slave owners in their respective revolution,” Layan Alnajjar. “It is to tell Native Americans to not resist their US occupiers on their own land. The oppressed have always been on the right side of history. Stand with the oppressed.”
Basel Alnajjar said AMPC intends to maintain awareness by organizing protests, meetings, and online discussions related to Palestine.
“We’re gonna keep up updates,” Alnajjar said. “We’re gonna keep up the mailing list, we’re gonna keep up people going to congressional meetings. We’re gonna wanna bring more protests to the people.”
