KUALA LUMPUR – Some 50 protesters gathered near the United States Embassy, here, today in a show of solidarity amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine which erupted on October 7.
This rally, organised by the non-governmental organisation Concerned Mothers of Malaysia, is the second instance of such a gathering.
However, participants were restricted from assembling in front of the embassy due to heightened security measures implemented by the police.
The participants were seen advocating for an immediate ceasefire while chanting “Free, free Palestine. Occupation must go. Let them live with pride and dignity.”
Non-Muslim rally participants were also in attendance today, emphasising that the conflict in Gaza is a humanitarian issue rather than a religious one.
Even under the scorching hot weather, passing vehicles honked in support of the rally participants.
The upcoming rally is scheduled for next Friday, December 29, and will persist until a permanent ceasefire is achieved in Gaza.
Protestors also signed a memorandum to exert pressure on the US government, urging them to facilitate a ceasefire and grant independence to the Palestinians.
Halimah Abdul Halim, 40, one of the organisers, said that the motivation behind the rally stems from the perceived lack of platforms to express solidarity with Palestine.
“The reason for the scarcity of platforms for rallies is fear and caution from the initial attempts. So, we decided as individuals to organise a rally where everyone, regardless of background, including non-Muslims, can participate,” Halimah explained.
Halimah, a pediatrician, expressed hope that the rally would have a significant impact on the US embassy and convey a strong message to President Joe Biden.
Liew Xun, a 28-year-old Catholic Christian protestor, condemned the continuous bombing of Palestinians in Gaza, especially during the approaching Christmas season.
“It is a terrible situation in Gaza because it was supposed to be a day of joy to celebrate Christmas, but Palestinians cannot celebrate in peace,” he remarked during the rally.
Shafila Affindi, 32, and Hussein Atwi, 47, a married couple attending their first solidarity rally with Palestine in Malaysia, expressed their support.
Hussein, originally from Lebanon, mentioned his history of attending various rallies in Lebanon, the UK, and the Middle East.
“In Malaysia, this is my first time, and I’m happy to see many Malaysians standing up against oppression and voicing what Palestinians deserve,” he added, noting that he has family members in Palestine.
Sara Bani Yamin, 31, and Rosa Rosli brought a prop covered in white clothes to symbolise dead Palestinian babies bombed by the Israeli Defense Force (IDF). The rally concluded around 3:15. – December 22, 2023