[antiwar-van] VANCOUVER RALLY AGAINST US-ISRAELI WAR DRIVE UNITES HUNDREDS ON INT’L DAY OF ACTION!

[shannon]

VANCOUVER RALLY AGAINST US-ISRAELI WAR DRIVE UNITES
HUNDREDS ON AUG 12 INT’L DAY OF ACTION


"Israel Out of Lebanon, NOW!" was the cry heard
throughout the streets on Vancouver, Canada on
Saturday August 12th. Over 500 people came together
for the highly-charged Vancouver protest organized by
Mobilization Against War & Occupation (MAWO) and the
Canadian Muslim Alliance (CMA) on this Global Day of
Action against the Israeli invasion of Lebanon. The
march and rally was also endorsed by the
Lebanese-Canadian Cultural House and the al-Kowthar
Islamic Community Association.

The speakers brought the struggle for unity against
the US-Israeli war drive to the stage, representing
the Muslim community, Lebanese Community, Iraqi
Community, Indigenous Community, Latin American
solidarity activists, women, youth and students. The
rally was opened by Kelly White, a Coast Salish elder,
who welcomed the demonstration onto Coast Salish
territory. The next speaker was Asif Ali Shah, a
Muslim activist and organizer with Mobilization
Against War and Occupation. Mohammed Mansour, a young
man from the Arab Community spoke next, emphasizing
unity against the criminal attack on Lebanon. Israa
Noureddine, a 12-year old Lebanese girl and member of
the Lebanese Canadian Cultural House then spoke,
having returned from Lebanon less than one week ago.
Following Israa, Jewish activist Sophie Ziner spoke as
an organizer with Vancouver Communities in Solidarity
with Cuba, to connect the struggle of Latin American
countries against US-led aggression. Mohammed Afzal
Malik, the President of the Canadian Muslim Alliance
and Shakeel Lochan, Mobilization Against War and
Occupation organizer were the final two speakers,
leading the demonstration into the streets for a
march. 

Chanting echoed throughout Vancouver streets in Arabic
and English, condemning the US-Israeli war drive and
demanding an immediate end to the Israeli siege on
Lebanon and Gaza. The protesters also condemned the
government of Canada and Stephen Harper, for their
boldfaced support of Israel in this illegal and bloody
war against the people of Lebanon. The march paused at
the US consulate where MCs Dr. Warif Leila and Shannon
Bundock condemned the role of the US in supporting
Israel.

Diversity was reflected in the faces of those
rallying, marching and chanting – many cultures and
communities, youth and elders, all united in defense
of the people of Lebanon and Palestine. 

The march wound through the streets of downtown back
to the Vancouver Art Gallery for the final speeches.
Ivan Drury, organizer with MAWO and Coordinator of
Fire This Time Movement for Social Justice was the
final speaker. He called for unity against Israel’s
attack, and connected the struggle of the Lebanese and
the Palestinians to the day to day struggle of the
people of Iraq and Afghanistan against US and Canadian
led occupations. 

Mike Larsen, a MAWO organizer and highschool student,
brought the rally to a close, with a resolution
demanding an end to Israel’s military attacks,
self-determination for the people of Lebanon and an
immediate withdrawal of all Israeli troops.  The
demands were met with resounding cheers from the
hundreds who were present. 

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See www.mawovancouver.org for pictures and details
--------------------------------------------------- 
Watch video footage of the August 12 MAWO / CMA
protest against the US-Israeli war drive!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPtukW5WAA0 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LQi990BJ9g 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-HpEA50Glk
--------------------------------------------------- 
Mobilization Against War and Occupation (MAWO)
www.mawovancouver.org
info at mawovancouver.org
604-322-1764





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