Rochester Rallies in the Snow for Palestine

Rochester's first snow of the season didn't stop members of the Palestenian community and their supporters from gathering in front of the Federal Building on November 30.  The demonstration was to commemorate the recent United Nations resolution declaring Palestine a "Nonmember Observer State."  While this does not give Palestenians land or statehood, it is one of the first actions by an international body recognizing their existence.  The United States opposed the resolution.  In recent weeks 160 Palestenians and 6 Israelis have died in Gaza.  The Israeli government has increased construction of Israeli settlements on Palestenian land as retribution.  The rally was called by a Christian-Muslim advocacy group for Palestenian children.  Christians, as well as Muslims in Israel are considered second-class citizens.  It was supported by the International Socialist Organization, Rochester Against War and several local Christian, Jewish and Muslim peace groups.

Supporters hold a picture of Yassir Arafat.  A new investigation is to be opened into the death of the former Palestenian leader.

This sign appeared on a bus shelter near the rally.  The US provides $2 billion to $5 billion a year in military aid to Israel, but it cannot provide health care for its own citizens.  This sign should not need to exist.