Close to 1000 people marched across the Story Bridge in Magan-djin/Brisbane carrying Palestinian flags on November 15.
Justice for Palestine (JFP) Magan-djin organised the protest to highlight that Israel’s genocide has not ended, despite the so-called ceasefire having been in effect for more than five weeks.
Mayor Adrian Schrinner lit the Story Bridge in Israeli colours after the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, even though Israel’s genocidal intentions were already clear. He has refused to show solidarity with the people of Gaza, the victims of the genocide, even after requests from JFP and Palestinian community organisations.
JFP attempted to march across the Story Bridge in August but changed plans after police successfully challenged it in the Supreme Court. This protest was the first time protesters adorned the bridge with Palestinian colours.
In the week before the Story Bridge march, activists blocked the entrance to Ferra Engineering, on November 10, with a tripod and lock-ons. Ferra Engineering supplies parts for Israel’s F-35 fighter planes used in the genocide.
Then, JFP Magan-djin organised a public meeting on November 12, hearing from participants in the Global Sumud Flotilla.
The next major Palestinian solidarity rally in Magan-djin/Brisbane will be on December 7.
Neville Spencer reports that about 600 people gathered in Gadigal Country/Sydney on November 16 to protest the ongoing violence against Palestinians.
Speakers included Yasir Elijameel, a Sudanese community activist, who condemned the genocide in Sudan and drew parallels with the death and destruction in Gaza.
Palestinian activist and filmmaker Alaa Al Qaisi said Palestinian lives have been treated as “disposable”. “But humanity has begun to awaken, we have begun to feel each other’s pain as our own.”
Green Left and Hunter Asylum Seeker Advocacy organised a screening of Gaza Nippers on November 16 in Muloobinba/Newcastle. Niko Leka reports that director Majed Badra and his brother Shamikh Badra reported on how the Nippers and their families loved the program, which was run from August to September 2023.
Tragically, many of the young people were killed when the genocide began in October 2023. The brothers also lost their father, dedicating the film to him. Go to this link to organise a screening, or to stay informed.
