So I went to my first protest yesterday! It was AMAZING! There were at least 1000 people there and we all held signs, chanted and marched from the Israeli Embassy to the Egyptian Embassy and then up and down Connecticut Avenue in DC. A few things that struck me: the police were great, they held traffic for everyone and ensured that everyone was safe, on both sides, the protest split several times and there were groups chanting Takbir and more religious slogans (someone even brought a Hizballah flag!) (which doesn't necessarily help, it's okay to recognize religious pride, but this was about Gaza and condeming Israel, not Islam and we don't want to alienate those non-Muslim supporters who add to the numbers in the protest), there were flags from other countries, including Ireland...and there was a wide range of attendees (even a Hacidic Jew came!!). It was an unforgettable experience, particularly because it felt like I was finally DOING something instead of sitting in my living room yelling at the TV. :) There's another one on Sunday in front of Congress. I love it...there were many news stations there, but when we watched the evening news to see if there was coverage, suprisingly, there was none! I don't get it. If this had been a pro-Israel protest I can pretty much guarantee it would have made the front page. If you can protest wherever you are for Gaza...please do! Someone has to speak for those who cannot!! Here are some pictures...enjoy!!!
Chanting in front of the Israeli Embassy
Maryam protesting!!
Protester wearing Palestinian flag
Protester (unidentified)
Protest moves to Connecticut Ave in DC
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