New York City protests 100 years of Balfour Declaration
New York, NY – Over 100 people gathered in front of the Israeli Embassy and Consulate, Nov. 2, to protest 100 years since the signing of the Balfour Declaration. The Balfour Declaration was a statement made by the British government in support of a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine, paving the way for the creation of Israel and the destruction of Palestine.
The event was organized by the New York for Palestine Coalition and included speakers for New York City Students for Justice in Palestine (NYCSJP), Committee to Stop FBI Repression (CSFR), International Action Center, Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network, American Muslims for Palestine, and Muslim American Society.
“I think it’s especially important today on the 100-year anniversary of the Balfour Declaration that we continue to struggle,” said Michela Martinazzi from CSFR and Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network. “Every time we take two steps forward, Israel is right there enclosing Palestinians inside walls. They’re testing new weapons, and new ways to oppress and enact genocide on people trying to liberate their land.”
Nerdeen Kiswani of NYCSJP spoke about colonialism in Palestine and all oppressed nations. She said, “We don’t have to compromise. We don’t have to give up an inch of land. We will take back what is rightfully ours,” and then led the crowd by chanting, “We don’t want two states. We want ‘48”, referring to Palestinian land before Israeli occupation.
The rally ended with a march down Second Avenue, with chants such as “No justice, no peace, Israel out of the Middle East,” “What do we want? Justice! When do we want it? Now!” and “One, two, three, four: Occupation no more. Five, six, seven eight: Israel is a terrorist state.”