Over 250,000 March in London to Mark 76th Nakba Anniversary
On May 18, 2024, London bore witness to a monumental assembly as over a quarter of a million people rallied to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba. This significant mobilization, possibly one of the largest of its kind, underscores the continuing global dialogue about Palestinian rights and the ongoing conflict in the region.
The demonstration, orchestrated by multiple organizations including the Palestinian Forum in Britain, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Friends of Al-Aqsa, the Muslim Association of Britain, the Stop the War Coalition, and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, saw participants gather at the BBC headquarters on Mortimer Street before marching towards the iconic British government and parliament buildings.
The march was imbued with potent symbols and messages, most notably the carrying of keys by demonstrators. These keys, referred to as “return keys,” symbolize the unyielded hope and the unwavering determination of Palestinians to return to their homes from which they were displaced in 1948, no matter how long it takes.
Massive Crowds in London
Abdulrahman Tamimi from the Palestinian Forum in Britain expressed profound gratitude towards the demonstrators and lauded the solidarity from various global quarters, saying, “I wish to salute our Jewish brothers and sisters who are refusing to accept Zionism, who are refusing to let Zionists speak in their name.” He highlighted the enduring spirit of resistance, stating, “76 years later, we are steadfast.”
Jeremy Corbyn added his voice to the chorus, emphasizing the historical and ongoing struggles of the Palestinian people: “In 1948, 700,000 people were driven out of their homes on Nakba Day…700,000 in 1948 and in the last six months alone, 1.5 million Palestinians in Gaza have now been driven from their homes.” He stressed the need for immediate action, “Our message on Nakba Day, 2024: is ceasefire now and an end to the occupation of Gaza and the West Bank.”
The personal stories shared were equally compelling. Palestinian journalist Moataz Azaiza expressed renewed hope in the power of people over political establishments, emotionally stating, “The hope is in the people, not in the governments… You make us as the people of Gaza start to feel hope again.”
The Echo of the Nakba Through the Decades
British artist Yusuf Islam underscored the demonstration’s plea for peace, urging for an “immediate ceasefire,” while Corbyn concluded with a powerful global message, “We are a global movement for peace, for justice, for a sustainable world where we don’t waste resources on arms.”
The demonstration did not just represent a local or national protest but was a part of a larger global movement, as similar protests were reported in cities around the world on the same day. This global solidarity emphasizes the international concern and demand for a resolution to the Palestinian plight.
As the day concluded, the echoes of the chants for freedom, the calls for justice, and the solemn promises of return lingered in the air. This significant event not only marked the anniversary of the Nakba but also served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for Palestinian rights and the hope for a peaceful resolution. The immense turnout and the emotional speeches highlighted a global community’s commitment to not forget the past and to strive towards a better future for all.
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