In another pro-Palestinian act in downtown São Paulo, a few thousand protesters showed solidarity with activists arrested this week by Israel as they tried to break the naval blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip region.
They also denounced the violent stance of the Israeli Navy and the alleged lack of effective actions of the Brazilian government, including to ensure the safety of the 14 nationals among the hundreds of detained activists.
“The main reason we are here today is for the struggle for freedom and the end of the genocide that happens in Palestine. Also to demonstrate our solidarity with the Flotilla, which was kidnapped by the State of Israel in international water areas,” Ziad Saifi, 51, a Lebanese merchant.
“Israel has committed another crime and should be tried for that, which is why we are here today fighting and shouting in loud and good sound,” he said, as he participated in the protest to draw attention to the prejudice that the West has with the Arab world, the persecution of Islamics and against the genocide of the Palestinian people.
Concentrated since late morning on Paulista Avenue, protesters went on walking towards Roosevelt Square, also in the center.
Very heterogeneous, the group had representatives of political parties and unions, Brazilians of Arab origin and student organizations.
“We bring the requirement that the Brazilian government, the Lula government, breaks diplomatic and commercial relations with the State of Israel. It is absurd that the Brazilian government continues to export oil and steel to a genocidal murderous state, and the only possibility of peace in the Middle East is that this state that uses even Nazi methods is eliminated and there is a free Palestine from Rio to sea, as it is the reindection of 100% of 100% of the 100% of 100% Protesters present here “, summarized journalist Bernardo Cerdeira, 70, for decades among those who sympathize with Palestinian mobilization.
Remembering the history of Zionist interventions in Palestinian territories and other peoples of Arabic and Persian origin in the region, the militants brought the memory of Yasser Arafat, cited on an equal basis to current leaders and Flotilha participants.
Arafat was the leader of the Palestinian Authority and even received the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to seek peace in the Middle East conflict.
He died in 2004, even before part of the young people present at this Sunday’s demonstration was not even born. This is the case of Sun, 19 years old. He has been attending protests since last year and was walking to protest against the Genocide of the Palestinian people, against apartheid and against the neocolonialist regime of Israel.
“We are here because the Palestinian people, not only for their genocide, but because the Palestinian people represents the anti -colonial resistance from all over the world.”
Global Sumud Flotilha
The Global Sumud flotilha brought about 50 vessels that carried 461 activists from around the world with food and medicine donations to the coast of the Gaza Strip.
The intention of mobilization is to decrease the impact of Israeli block on the region, which has led to deaths from inanition and outbreaks of diseases linked to basic hygiene and living conditions.
All boats have been intercepted and their crew arrested since last Wednesday, still outside the Israeli territorial waters, using Israeli Navy and Air Force equipment and troops.
Among the denunciations in this approach one of those that has shocked the world is that of non -justified violence, as allegedly occurred to the Norwegian activist Greta Thunberg. She would have been dragged and beaten, in the sight of the other militants and as a kind of example to them.
“We have to participate and defend our activists, as well as the victims of this genocide,” said retired teacher Marta da Silva Mendes, 68, who has been following the theme for years for solidarity.
Brazilians in Flotilha
Among the more than 400 detained activists, eleven are Brazilian. For the Brazilian government, the interception hurts international law of freedom of navigation, provided for by the United Nations Convention, as well as the “illegal detention of peaceful activists”.
In a statement last Thursday (2), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs argued that Israel “should be held responsible for any illegal and violent acts committed against the pacific activists who participate and ensure their safety, well-being and physical integrity while remaining under the custody of Israeli authorities.”
