Hundreds Join Nakba Commemoration March in Athens for Palestine
Athens, May 16 – Hundreds of citizens gathered in Athens on Friday evening for a demonstration commemorating Nakba, expressing their solidarity with the Palestinian people. The march, which took place despite adverse weather conditions, began at Freedom Park and culminated in a symbolic protest outside the Israeli embassy.
Nakba, meaning ‘catastrophe,’ is considered by Palestinians to be the zero-point: the beginning of their displacement. The 78th anniversary of this event finds the region once again in a state of war.
Symbolic Protest at Israeli Embassy
Upon reaching the Israeli embassy, members of the Palestinian community in Greece staged a symbolic protest. Demonstrators recreated the conditions of detention for those arrested by the Israeli army. In a poignant display, one demonstrator knelt with a black hood over their head and a noose around their neck, while another stood behind, holding and tightening it. The kneeling demonstrator held a placard with the message, in both Greek and English, ‘prisoners are in danger.’ A flare was lit at the scene, and a large Palestinian flag was unfurled on the Psychiko overpass.
The slogan ‘Tempi – Pylos – Palestine, there is no peace without justice’ was repeatedly chanted by the demonstrators throughout the march.
Police Presence and Traffic Management
Police forces restricted the demonstration to two lanes of traffic on Kifissias Avenue, in the ascending direction, from the moment the crowd exited onto the road. This caused some dissatisfaction among demonstrators, with some requesting the full closure of the road, citing the large turnout. The situation remained unchanged throughout the march, however, no tensions were reported until the end of the mobilization.
Participating Organizations
The demonstration saw the participation of various organizations, including the Union of Palestinian Workers in Greece, the Palestinian Community, the March to Gaza, the Initiative of Solidarity with the Palestinian People of Labor Unions and Collectives, and the ‘Stop’ Alliance.
The event concluded peacefully, highlighting the ongoing international concern and solidarity regarding the Palestinian issue.
Source: skai.gr
