A contingent from the Korean community joined the August 24 nation wide march for Palestine. They were warmly welcomed by Arab-Australians and others to the huge protest.
Bruce Lee, a spokesperson for the contingent, told Green Left they all felt deeply emotional in their solidarity for the people of Gaza. They poured their spirit into songs and slogans during the march, which was warmly appreciated by others.
“We sang Marching for our beloved [a famous Korean struggle song of the democratic rights movement] and Arirang [a traditional folk song] at the top of our lungs. Tears of emotion welled up.
“Koreans have also experienced invasion, occupation, and war under Japanese imperialism, which is why we feel a strong sense of solidarity with the Palestinian people. Our country remains divided and is still technically at war. United States troops and naval forces are stationed on our soil and some Korean defence companies maintain military dealings with Israel.”
Lee said that he hoped more Asian communities in Australia would participate in future Palestine solidarity rallies.
“This movement is about humanity. It is about children starving. How can we not raise our voices?”