Hundreds of Jamaicans recently protested the bloodshed that continues between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East, a conflict that has claimed hundreds of Palestinian lives and forced millions more to flee their homes.
Several Jamaicans demonstrated against Israel’s continuous bombardment of Gaza and the devastation it is causing, especially to helpless women and children, by holding banners during what is known as the “March for Palestine.”
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The Left Alliance for National Democracy and Socialism was in charge of organizing the March (LANDS). The supporters made their way to Flag Circle Park across from the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre and down the seaside Rae Town jogging track (General Penitentiary).
Christophe Simpson, the chairman and secretary of LANDS, contended, “A lot of Jamaicans are aware of what’s going on. But, whereas in the US there are evangelistic Christians who stand united, in Jamaica they are divided.”
“This war is not being fought in the name of God. God doesn’t choose some people over others as favorites.”
The demonstrators also criticized Jamaica’s two major parties for their positions on the Middle East crisis, which some characterized as Israel-led robbery and genocide.
Simpson stated, “We have criticized both the JLP (Jamaica Labor Party) and the PNP (People’s National Party). The JLP has taken a stance of supporting Israel, condemning only the things that were done by the Palestinians. But the violence that Palestinians come under, they don’t condemn that.”
“Meanwhile, the PNP has equated Palestine and Israel, when Palestine is in a colonial relationship where Israel is trying to colonize them. They (PNP) took a ‘both side’ approach, saying they don’t support genocide but they not taking sides. You can’t take a stance like that if you are against genocide.”
Four requests were made to the government by the demonstrators. They demand that the leaders of Jamaica openly reveal any State agreements signed with Israel, formally denounce Israel’s acts, sever diplomatic ties with Israel, and acknowledge the State of Palestine.
Simpson noted, “We know that the Government has made deals, some of them security deals, with Israel, but they won’t disclose the details. So, we don’t know if our constitutional rights or our privacy and security are being breached.”
