12Apr2018
Pre-event press release:
Thursday, April 12, 6-8pm
Philly Don’t Orchestrate Apartheid! Honoring Martyrs of March 30
Candle light vigil and speak out outside the Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad, Philadelphia
Despite massive outcry from communities in Philadelphia and around the world, the Philadelphia Orchestra is doubling down on their decision to visit Israel this summer to help provide political and diplomatic cover for the Israeli occupation of Palestine. The Orchestra actually intends to visit a military base while on tour, to meet with the Israeli forces that murdered 30 unarmed Palestinian demonstrators on March 30 and April 6. Military snipers intentionally killed dozens and shot hundreds more.
Our demands are simple: Philly, Don’t Orchestrate Apartheid! Cancel the Apartheid Tour to Israel!
Please join us on Thursday to peacefully make our demands heard, just like our brothers and sisters did in Gaza for two weeks, and help us to honor those martyrs who laid down their lives for the freedom and self-determination of all Palestinians.
Sponsored by Philly: Don’t Orchestrate Apartheid, phillyDontOrchestrateApartheid@gmail.com
Photo by Joe Piette (Arrows on either side to see more photos by Joe)
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Al Jazeera says that Friday, April 13th, marks the third consecutive Friday protest at the Gaza-Israel border. Each protest, is part of the “Great March of Return” movement, a movement that seeks a Palestinian return to their old homeland. A piece explaining the “Great March” makes no mention of the Trump Administration’s plan for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, meaning that President Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel was a deal-breaker. The US is not trusted to play any role and, in truth, the Times of Israel makes it clear that nothing much can be expected from the US on the issue.
Youtube of some chants and speeches by Rich Gardner.
There is little sign of a plan emerging and protests have erupted in Gaza, where Palestinians have burned tires and thrown firebombs and rocks at Israeli soldiers, who responded with tear gas and live fire.
The White House has called for Palestinian leaders to keep their supporters back from the border, but has not spoken out against Israel’s use of force, further enraging Palestinians.
The US called for “a renewed focus by all parties on finding solutions to the dire humanitarian challenges facing Gazans.” Palestinians are unimpressed with such even-handed calls that do no address Palestinian concerns.
An announcement was made at the protest that the Philadelphia Orchestra will go to Israel and play a concert there because arreangements have already been made, so protests will continue
