Hundreds show up for pro-Palestinian rally in Vancouver - Action News
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Hundreds show up for pro-Palestinian rally in Vancouver

Hundreds of people showed up to a pro-Palestinianrally outside the Vancouver Art Gallery on Monday afternoon as the conflict in Israeland Palestinian territories continues.

Largely peaceful rally drew some counter-protesters who condemned killing of Israeli civilians by Hamas

Protesters in front of an art gallery hold up a banner that reads 'Freedom for Palestine'.
The protesters at the rally said that Western governments, including Canada, should withdraw support from the Israeli government. (Yvette Brend/CBC)

Hundreds of people showed up to a pro-Palestinianrally outside the Vancouver Art Gallery on Monday afternoon as the conflict in Israeland Palestinian territories continues.

More than 1,000 people have been killed in Gaza and parts of Israel, according to authorities, as the Palestinian organization Hamas and the Israeli military escalate a conflict that was sparked by a surprise Hamas attack over the weekend.

The war has sparked concern from both Palestinians and Israelis in Vancouver, with the art galleryprotest calling attention to the loss of life in Gaza especially after the Israeli defence minister calledfor a "complete siege" of the Gaza Strip on Monday.

Up to 300 protesters gathered with Palestinian flags, some of whom were wearing the traditional keffiyeh scarf, and called for the end of what they deem to be a settler-colonial occupation in the Palestinian territories.

WATCH | Protesters worried byhuman rights abuses at pro-Palestinian rally:

Concern for human rights in Gaza at Vancouver rally

8 months ago
Duration 1:29
Attendees called for international law to be respected in the Gaza Strip, which has been declared under siege by Israel. Organizers said the rally aimed to raise concerns about the treatment of civilians and was not in support of Hamas, the group that governs Gaza.

"My people have been oppressed for over 75 years and I'm here to stand mainly with my family, my parents and my two sisters," said Nasser Najjar, who said he has two sisters trapped in Gaza.

He says the only way he knows they are alive is if he sees them typing on a family WhatsApp group, but he has been mostly in the dark for over a day since the fighting began.

Najjar dismissed the idea that the pro-Palestinian rally one of many held across Canada, including in Calgary and Toronto was in support of Hamas, the group whose attacks on Israeli civilians has drawn condemnation from some politicians including B.C. Premier David Eby.


Najjar called on Western governments, including Canada, to withdraw support for the Israeli government, and said the conflict in the Palestinian territories had deeper historical roots.

"One day we will be free. I hope that you hear us. I hope that you see us," he said.

People wave Palestinian flags in front of an art gallery.
Up to 300 people attended a rally in Vancouver on Monday supporting Palestinians, days after attacks on civilians by Palestinian group Hamas prompted a declaration of war by Israel. (Yvette Brend/CBC)

Amal Joha, who was at the protest with her son Nehad al-Faraaneh, said Palestinians living in Gaza had a right to live peacefully.

"My family [are] all in Gaza. I want to tell to Mr. Trudeau ... I want him to feel [for] other people, to bring them here to Canada," she said through tears.

A woman in a hijab and a traditional scarf cries at a protest.
Amal Joha, who is from Gaza, says Palestinian people deserve to live in peace and called on Canada to accept refugees from the region. (CBC)

Mayor denounces 'anti-Israel' protests

The protest at the art gallery was largely peaceful and was monitored by the Vancouver Police Department (VPD).

Earlier in the day, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim had denounced "anti-Israel" rallies being planned in the city and said the City of Vancouver condemned the "horrific act of terrorism" in Israel.

"When informed of these rallies, I spoke with the VPD and am encouraged they will investigate and address any incidents of hate," he said in a statement.


While the protest largely saw supporters chant in support of a "free Palestine,"a few Israeli counter-protesters showed up and were largely drowned out by the Palestinian supporters.

Their arrival prompted shouting and small scuffles in front of the art gallery.

One person was handcuffed by police, who broke up the scuffle, according to a CBC News reporter on the scene.

A few Israeli flags at a largely pro-Palestinian protest.
A few Israeli counter-protesters showed up at the pro-Palestinian rally in Vancouver on Monday, saying they condemned the 'terrorist' acts that are occurring in the conflict. (Ana Komnenic/CBC)

Rachel Goldberg, one of the counter-protesters, said they wanted to show support for civilians being killed by Hamas.

"We're just here to show that we are still here. You can't scare us and make us hide anymore," Goldbergsaid.

The VPD told CBC News it is investigating several incidents related to the protests over the weekend, and it anticipates charges could be laid.

"Our primary role is to maintain order, facilitate safe and peaceful gatherings, and investigate unlawful behaviour if it occurs," said Const. Tania Visintin.

"We encourage everyone who gathers ... to express themselves in a way that is peaceful, lawfuland respectful of others."

Clarifications

  • This story was updated after publication to include a precise quote from the mayor of Vancouver.
    Oct 24, 2023 1:56 PM PT

With files from Yvette Brend and Ana Komnenic