For the past month, protesters rallied against the genocide of Palestinians. It has been Organised by ‘People for Palestine,’ a grassroots movement dedicated to Palestinian liberation and an end to the cycle of Palestinian genocide and illegal Israeli occupation.
Each day witnesses the loss of Palestinian lives due to the actions of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), resulting in a death toll surpassing 10,000 in one month.
The protests provide a platform for the local community to express solidarity and share fresh insights about the conflict through open mic sessions.
Hearing the voices at the protest, we took the opportunity to interview some of the protestors, aiming to gather their thoughts and opinions on the matter.
FUELING COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE
Many protesters believe that their demonstrations provoke curiosity within bystanders and the broader community, shedding light on Palestinian issues.
Understanding media bias, they utilise the open mic to share authentic information, educate passersby, and counter the narrative they perceive to be propagated by mainstream media outlets.
The protesters aim to diverge from the pro-Israeli stance of UK leaders like Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman.
By gathering in large numbers, these protests aim to apply pressure on local MPs, urging them to abandon neutrality regarding the genocide and convey a vital message of change to the government.
BREAKING FREE FROM MEDIA BIAS
Protesters emphasised the role of social media in raising awareness about the reality of the situation. Joining protests acts as the first step towards gaining knowledge, sparking wider conversations on social platforms allowing people to steer away from mainstream media narratives.
Some demonstrators highlighted Piers Morgan’s programme in educating the public about Palestine, providing a more differing perspective compared to other media outlets.
Raising awareness through protests is crucial. We approached protestors to explore additional actions beyond protesting.
SHARE THE KNOWLEDGE
Spreading knowledge is crucial in an era dominated by social media as one person speaking about genocide can spark a chain reaction through word of mouth. Protesters emphasised the power of social media, stating if you feel powerless, using social platforms to share about Palestine is a small yet impactful action.
Social media, free and accessible to everyone, has allowed people to witness the realities faced by Palestinians. By reposting, they extend their message globally, influencing minds and initiating change.
Palestinians in the community believe it’s important to share their experiences and their country’s history. They believe organising events will help non-Palestinians and non-Muslims learn about Palestinian culture and their struggles.
BOYCOTTS
Protesters say that one of the simplest but most impactful things an individual can do is boycott Israel-supporting businesses. People are boycotting with the BDS movement which advocates for boycotts, divestments, and economic sanctions against Israel. They believe boycotting hinders the funding for IDF weaponry used against Palestinians.
Significant boycotts have proven to cause stock drops for companies like Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Disney. Protestors advocate for keeping up with the boycotts as they believe this is truly an impactful way to help Palestine beyond the protests.
These protests are set to persist. ‘People for Palestine’ will continue assembling in Nottingham, standing in solidarity with Palestine. Hundreds of community members will continue to raise awareness about the ongoing conflict until Palestine is free.
Umaymah Choudhury
Featured image courtesy of Doaa Qadi. Image has been edited. Permission granted to use this image.
Audio courtesy of Umaymah Choudhury and Banusha Bavaharan.
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