Students, organizers, and community members alike are invited to gather Friday Oct. 4 on the corner of Elmwood and Bidwell at 6pm to make their voices heard against the United States’ continuous decision to fund the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
This demonstration comes at a time where Israel has now begun a ground invasion against Lebanon, a neighboring northern country that has supported Palestine’s fight for sovereignty in the occupied territory.
As of Oct 2, an estimated 41,689 Palestinians and 1,508 Israelis have been killed since the heightened tensions began around this time last year, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Israeli strikes in Lebanon have resulted in 1,974 deaths and 9,384 injuries since last October, according to Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad.
The event, titled “All Out for Palestine & Lebanon!”, is seeking to address the humanitarian crises being brought about by Israel, who is currently being financed by the United States to commit atrocities in the two nations.
The demonstration will begin at Elmwood and Bidwell, but will be on the move for the majority of the night.
To any reader who may want to attend, here are a few things to keep in mind:
1.) Wear comfortable shoes/clothes with layers: Comfort is key when attending demonstrations.
2.) Wear a mask: COVID-19 is still ravaging the United States, and masks help to mitigate identification and retaliation against individuals whose employers or institutions they are a part of do not support the demonstration.
3.) Bring signs and keffiyehs: Showing support through signs and symbols for a Free Palestine and an end to the invasion of Lebanon are encouraged.
4.) Do not engage with counter-protesters (if any appear): Emotions at demonstrations can be high, and so should the ground one takes at a protest. Disregard picketers, drive-by yellers, and seemingly well-intentioned people who approach with questions to have a “gotcha” moment. If approached, consider redirecting them to designated media-involved individuals, usually identified at the beginning of the demonstration.
5.) Disperse in a timely manner using the buddy system: Arrive together, leave together. When the demonstration leaders suggest a dispersion, make a judgment call from there to stay or leave.
6.) Know your rights: Being prepared for anything is the key to a successful demonstration. It is a good idea to write the number (716)-852-4033 (the number for the Western Region office of the NYCLU) somewhere on your body in case of arrest, as belongings–including slips of paper–will be taken. Memorize the phrase “I want to remain silent, and I want to talk to a lawyer”. Say nothing else if arrested.
If you are looking for information on Friday’s event, or wanting to get involved in the fight for a Free Palestine (and beyond) in Buffalo, here are a few good places to start:
Worker’s World Party Buffalo Linktree
Communist Student League Buffalo Instagram
LOLA (Liberation for One, Liberation for All) Buffalo Linktree
JVP (Jewish Voice for Peace) Buffalo Linktree
Buffalo DSA Linktree
