Protesters Rally in Princeton to Show Support for Palestinians

Between 400 and 500 people from throughout the tri-state area filled the streets of Princeton on Sunday to show support for the Palestinian people in their current conflict with Israel.

The event was organized by Princeton for Palestine, a new group of local academics, students, activists and community members.

Protesters gathered outside Albert Hinds Plaza outside the Princeton Library and marched down Nassau Street to the Fountain of Freedom in Scudders Plaza in front of the Woodrow Wilson Library, chanting slogans and carrying signs.

It was the largest in Princeton in over a decade, according to Planet Princeton.

Over half a dozen people gave speeches, including Princeton resident and Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Chris Hedges, and political scientist Norman Finkelstein.

Shadee Elmasry, the Director of Education at New Brunswick Islamic Center, gave the opening speech.

Other speakers included: the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee’s media relations specialist, Amani Al-Khatahtbeh; Jewish Voice for Peace Board Member and past Chair, Rebecca Subar; local activist and recent college graduate, Sherif Ibrahim; and a local Palestinian-American teacher, Sireen Hashem, who recently returned from a summer trip to visit relatives in Palestine.
“It’s impossible to predict at this point how this is going to end. I’m afraid it’s going to end badly for the people of Gaza,” Finkelstein said. “But whichever way it ends, if Israel didn’t completely get its way, it really is because of the heroic, the honorable, the dignified, the indomitable people of Gaza.”

About 2,000 people have been killed and over 10,000 have been injured since the current conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people began on July 8.

Protestors also held a moment of silence to reflect on events currently taking place in Ferguson, Missouri.

It was the largest in Princeton in over a decade, according to Planet Princeton.

A contingent of pro-Israel supporters also showed up at Albert Hinds Plaza, but the protests remained peaceful.

The Palestinian Protest was sponsored by 20 diverse organizations, many of which sent representatives to participate in the rally. Endorsing organizations included CODE PINK, Council on American Islamic Relations-NJ, Jewish Voice for Peace (Philadelphia Chapter), ANSWER Coalition, AMP (American Muslims for Palestine), International Action Center (IAC), Jersey Coalition Against Endless War, Green Party of NJ, and Philadelphia Coalition for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions against Israel.

--Photo and event information provided by Princeton for Palestine