Venezuelans Protest Israel’s Attack and Send Aid
to Gaza
by Tamara Pearson — Venezuelanalysis.com
Mérida, January 9, 2009 (venezuelanalysis.com)—
Venezuelans protested across the country yesterday in solidarity with
Palestinians, while the foreign minister, Nicolas Maduro announced that Venezuela will send food and doctors to Gaza.
At a solidarity protest in Caracas, Maduro announced that on Sunday, Venezuela will deliver 80
tons of medicine, water, and food to Gaza. Thirty Venezuelan doctors and the ‘Simon
Bolivar Humanitarian Workforce’ will also be sent there.
Maduro also said that as the General Assembly of the United Nations begins today, “We will solicit the sanctioning of the Israeli government for the war actions that it has taken against the Palestinian people.” “Attacks like the one against a school with the
[United Nations] logo are a clear demonstration of the mockery against
international rules. Hence, we demand that the United Nations protect the Gaza
strip and declare a plan of humanitarian assistance for it,” he said. Yesterday there were protests against the attacks on
Gaza across the country. An estimated 5,000 people attended a protest in
Caracas, calling for a boycott of Israeli products, for Venezuela to stop
sending oil to Israel and for the suspension of education, cultural and other
agreements that it has with Israel until the invasion of Gaza ends. A broad range of social movements were involved, as
well as the Communist Party of Venezuela (PCV), the United Socialist Party of
Venezuela (PSUV), Jews, Christians, Palestinians, Lebanese, and Syrian people.
A radio collective truck, playing a range of modern songs against the
occupation of Palestine headed up the march, which concluded outside the
Israeli embassy, where people threw shoes at the building, and some young
people inflicted minor damage. |
Burning the US flag outside McDonalds as part of the protest in solidarity with Palestine, Merida (Tamara Pearson/ venezuelanalysis.com) |
A second march, somewhat larger and organized by the
PSUV, took place that afternoon. 63 Venezuelan ambassadors participated, who
were in Caracas for a foreign ministry meeting, along with members of
parliament and other social sectors.
In Yaracuy state the protest was attended by the
president of the regional parliament, a legislator to the national parliament,
alternative media collectives, youth organizations, the Venezuelan Association
of Solidarity with the Palestinian people, and the PSUV. Cultural activities
with local artists followed the rally. Palestinian-Venezuelan’s said in
speeches to the crowd that they appreciated the gesture of expelling the
Israeli ambassador from Venezuela.
The protest in Merida was organized by youth
organizations, the Homeland for All Party (PPT), PSUV, PCV and the Socialist
Forces Front. Hundreds rallied in the main plaza, burnt Israeli and US flags,
wrote messages on a giant banner in the street and on the backs of cars, taxis,
and buses and handed out leaflets to passersby.
Hundreds also marched in Anzoategui
state, lead by the state governor, Tarek Saab and
joined by the local Arabic community and PSUV members.
This morning, In Barquismeto,
Lara state, there was a rally and march with the
Arabic community, followed by a concert.