Local Palestines protest

by Lindsay Neary
FOR THE POST

A recent visit by Ariel Sharon, head of opposition in Israel, to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem prompted the Palestine Student Union to hold a rally Friday at the West Portico of the Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium.

Sharon's visit to the mosque, which the Israelis believe is built on the site of an ancient Jewish temple they wish to rebuild, led to increased violence in the Middle East, said Abdulbaset Abdulla, rally organizer and adviser for the Palestine Student Union.

Israel was established as a state on Palestinian land, and the Israeli army forced many of the Palestinians to leave Palestine in 1948, Abdulla said. Israel claimed Jerusalem, but the Palestinians who never left Palestine do not think the city can be shared under Israeli control.

Palestinian supporters held signs reading "pray for peace in Palestine" and "defying UN relations - only Israel can get away with it," at the rally. Two young girls wore signs around their necks protesting the Israelis' treatment of the Palestinians.

A group of roughly 25 adults, students and children gathered as Abdulla and Athens residents and peace activists Art Gish and his wife Peggy Gish spoke out against Ariel Sharon and the Israelis' oppression of the Palestinian people. They urged American leaders to take action.

"Palestinians are throwing stones but the Israelis are responding with bullets," Abdulla said, referring to the recent developments in the 53-year struggle in the Middle East.

Art Gish spoke about experiencing oppression, harassment and nightly raids on the home in which he stayed in Gaza, an area Palestine wants Israel to return to Palestine control.

He would like all land conquered by Israel to be returned to the Palestinians, and for Palestine to gain control of East Jerusalem, Gish said.

Participants also held signs urging the US not to support Israel.

"American people are not getting the correct message from the American government or the media," Abdulla said. "America provides $6 billion to Israel each year, a display of financial support that needs to end."

"It is time for American people to care with more than just words," said Peggy Gish.

Peace talks continue but Art Gish said he is discouraged with the efforts.

"I haven't seen any indication of seriousness," he said. "The deaths will continue and the struggle will also continue."