Palestinian Youth Movement Holds Protest To Commemorate Year of Resistance

EDITOR'S NOTE: We have received much criticism for publishing this story on Oct. 7, the anniversary of the Hamas terror attack on Israel that claimed some 1,200 lives and resulted in the taking of 250 hostages, especially as the story made no mention of the anniversary. This was insensitive, and I apologize for the offense. The timing was not intended to insult the Jewish community or to take a position on the conduct of the war. The rally took place on Saturday, Oct. 5, and because of a delay in editing, was not readied to be published until the following Monday morning. I regret the delay and admit that the omission of a reference to the anniversary was an error. The fact it was unintentional does not excuse it. Some, however, have said that we should have not have covered the rally at all and doing so was in itself antisemitic. I disagree. Opinions about the war in Gaza have become a factor in America's upcoming presidential election, and our job is to provide news that touches on that election. A recent Pew Research Center report found that a growing number of Americans, 31%, now believe that "Israel's current military operation against Hamas is going too far." This rally was attended by Jill Stein, the Green Party presidential candidate. We considered the rally newsworthy. But to cover is not to endorse. We cannot do our jobs and ignore the political viewpoints of a sizable portion of the population, but we will strive to present these stories in a more sensitive way. — Patrick Williams, editor in chief


The Dallas chapter of the Palestinian Youth Movement organized a protest in downtown Dallas on Oct. 5 to celebrate the power and resilience of the Palestinian people. Political and spiritual leaders were among the speakers, who emphasized that it has been not just one year of war in Gaza, but one year of resistance.

“Say it clear and say it loud!” one of the lead organizers chanted through his megaphone on Sunday. “Gaza, you make us proud!” The crowd recited the chant passionately, cupping their hands around their mouths to amplify the sound. Their voices echoed throughout the city, as passing cars honked their horns and raised their fists to show support.

Hundreds of people gathered at the Grassy Knoll in solidarity with Palestinian people. Community members — including students, teachers and constituents of the Party for Socialism — proudly held banners and took to the streets to make their message heard.
“Gaza, Gaza, don’t you cry!” the crowd shouted. “We will never let you die!”

After the organizers led the crowd in chants, Unviersity of California Berkeley professor Hatem Bazian was welcomed to the podium and addressed the audience. Bazian spoke about the dangers of xenophobia and criticized Western governments for its role in the ongoing violence in Palestine. “It's one year of genocide,” Bazian said. “It's one year of partnership — I don't use the word complicity — I use the word partnership of the Western governments and Western elite in the mayhem and the killing of Palestinians.”

Bazian recognized the students in the crowd and celebrated their activism, encouraging them to push forward.

“You are making history,” Bazian said. “Your story, your struggle, your encampments, your sit-ins, your movement. Everything will be recorded in history books, and you will be celebrated at the time and place when Palestine is free.”

Bazian also acknowledged the courage of the Jewish people in the audience. He condemned Zionism and colonialism, emphasizing the need for solidarity. “To our Jewish brothers and sisters: we have a future together!” Bazian said. “We could build a future horizon where we embrace each other and transform the world away from colonization, away from antisemitism, away from islamophobia, and we will be free together! You belong in the same house of freedom, courage, self-determination, and dignity.”

The crowd roared in applause as he exited the stage. After his speech, Nida Abu Baker spoke passionately about her father's unjust imprisonment, recalling a time in her childhood when her house was raided and guns were pointed at her head. She declared herself a daughter of Palestine and urged people to support the ongoing struggle for liberation.

Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein followed Baker’s speech, calling for an immediate, permanent ceasefire and a weapons embargo. She reminded the audience of their strength and encouraged them to wield it.

“We must resist in the street, on our campuses, in the voting booth, everywhere,” Stein said. “We must assert our power and know that it is the opposite of what they try to tell you. They try to tell you that you must take marching orders from the economic and political elite. They tell you you must vote for the lesser evil we say, ‘What lesser evil?'”

After a few more speeches, attendees marched on the streets, chanting “Whose streets? Our streets!” Other speakers, most notably Pastor Fredrick Haynes, stood in the bed of a black pick-up truck to address the crowd as they marched through the city.

The demonstration ended in prayer, with one collective hope: "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free."