Kolkata: When the rain comes, you might have heard the rhyme “Rain, Rain, Go Away,” as children want to play or someone needs to work. But on Friday, on the streets of Kolkata, nobody questioned why the rain started because hundreds of participants were determined to protest against Israelis who have been bombing the people of Palestine, including children and women, for 293 days.
Braving heavy rain, hundreds of children, girls, and women held a protest rally against the genocide being conducted by Israel in Palestine and the undeclared support Israel is receiving from the Indian government.
While it was raining, the air was filled with slogans like “From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will Be Free” and “Free, Free, Free Palestine.” There were also slogans urging the Government of India to stop arming Israel.
The rally moved from Subodh Mallick Square to Esplanade, where it culminated. Under the umbrella body of Indians for Palestine, several organizations participated, including the Hawker Sangram Committee, AISA, AIPWA, SIO, Women’s India Movement, RYA, Bandi Mukti Committee, Jana Andolon, Pashchimbanga Ganasanskriti Parishad, AIPF, Bangla Banchao Desh Banchao Mancha, and the 24×7 Boycott Group, among others.
Some people were holding placards and umbrellas while walking, and some held one side of a banner in one hand and an umbrella in the other. Several walked without any cover and continued the march.
“It will send a strong message that not only did you come out in large numbers to stand for humanity, but by braving the heavy rain, this day will be remembered for a long time,” said Dr Sarfaraz Adil, who is leading the 24×7 Boycott movement in Bengal.
Dr Adil added, “Remember to continue boycotting Israeli and American (Zionist) products in your everyday life.”
“One of the major purposes of forming the United Nations was to stop human rights violations, right? Then where is the UN when more than 35,000 children in Gaza have missing limbs? The children in Gaza suffer from extreme psychological trauma. The physical injuries and witnessing the deaths of loved ones leave permanent scars on the psyche of those who survive with or without disabilities. Where is the UN when Gazans are facing multiple displacements due to large-scale destruction?” asked Nousheen Baba Khan, a social activist.
Meanwhile, the rally in Kolkata was organized the day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the US Congress and received a standing ovation. Both the address and the standing ovation were condemned by concerned citizens across the world.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi tweeted and vehemently criticized Netanyahu for receiving a standing ovation in the US Congress. She also responded to the Israeli Prime Minister’s speech, stating that while he claimed it is a war between a civilized and a barbaric nation, he was right, but it is he and his government who are barbaric.
