Ridgwell concluded in the proceedings that “mass politics and action” are the most appropriate measures for solidarity and that this is not a matter of taking sides, but an active dismantling of oppression with colonial origins.
Palestinian protestors and activists gathered at Sydney Town Hall to commemorate the Nakba on 13 May. “Al Nakba” (النكبة) is Arabic for “the catastrophe” referring to the ethnic cleansing and dispossession of Palestinians by Zionist settlers and paramilitary forces since 1948.
The main message was the importance of solidarity and steadfastness or “sumood” (صمود), reiterating Palestinian livelihood and justice. Led by organisations like the Palestine Action Group, the rally was chaired by member Damian Ridgwell. Speakers denounced the Australian government for their support for Israel, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, demanding Australia end its ties with Israeli apartheid.
Before the speeches began, there were performances including Lebanese singer Julia Boutros’ patriotic song “I Breathe Freedom”. A sign language interpreter was present and every speaker gave an Acknowledgement of Country. USyd SRC Ethnocultural Officer Rand Khatib, who also chaired the rally, emphasised the strength of Black-Palestinian solidarity with the slogan “From Gadigal to Gaza”. She noted that to be an Indigenous person of a stolen land is a threat in and of itself to the oppressor.
Read the article in Honi Soit.