A video that came to light on Sunday, May 23, caused an uproar on social media. The 16-second clip posted on Twitter shows two men using hate speech towards pro-Palestine supporters. Meanwhile, hundreds (if not more) locals took to the Sea Point Promenade today to protest for the lives and well-being of the Palestinian people.
It is alleged that the incident occurred on Saturday, May 22, in Umhlanga Rocks, Durban. The two men are yet to be identified.
So this is what we came across last night #FreePalestine pic.twitter.com/gZqCOCIvQK
— Tauf (@taufmo) May 23, 2021
Meanwhile, in Cape Town, people came out in the hundreds as part of a solidarity picket on the far right end of the Sea Point Promenade. The Palestinian flag and colours could be spotted everywhere, abundantly.
The protest played out in support for, and solidarity with, the Palestinian people.
As of mid-April 2021, tensions had escalated between the Palestinian and Israeli people living in East Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank.
More than 700 Palestinians were hurt in clashes with Israeli security forces in Jerusalem and across the West Bank in 24 hours, including nearly 500 who were treated at hospitals.
After 11 days of fighting, where at least 240 people were killed (the majority of which were Palestinian lives), a ceasefire was called between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas.
The event has been named a humanitarian crisis because of the deaths of so many women and children.
“If there is a hell on earth, it is the lives of children in Gaza,” Secretary-General António Guterres of the United Nations said.
Read also: Israel, Palestine militant group Hamas agree to ceasefire
People from all over the world have been in protest for the lives and well-being of the Palestinian people.
People of Cape Town have similarly been involved in such solidarity, including marching to Parliament to protest against attacks on Palestinians by Israeli armed forces back in early May.
Today, Sea Point Promenade another huge solidarity effort, #FreePalestine
Solidarity with Palestine was the mantra of the protest.
As a result of the numbers that turned out for the protest, police closed off Beach Road. Driving saw heavy traffic, and almost every second car was boasting a Palestinian flag.
Additionally, some cars had music that was blasting the “Free Palestine” Mantra.
Even an ice-cream truck had joined in, largely there for the many children who were part of the protest alongside their families.
The police were present, but some of the speakers at the protest made it clear that they would show the police they were disciplined. This meant maintaining peace and additionally telling people to disassemble when the time came.
The overall protest saw many people raising funds for Palestine efforts through selling goods from T-shirts to jewellery that were themed with Palestine colours, words or phrases.
The overall protest saw a large community of supporters and NGOs alike.
The Truth Collective NGO was present with a fundraising drive that aims to deliver Medical Aid Supplies to Gaza by their team.
Speaking to a representative from the NGO, it was explained to Cape {town} Etc that the CEO of the NGO is Palestinian and so the cause is very close to home.
To donate or get involved, the Truth Collective South Africa can be contacted on 021 300 6159 or look at their website here.
Picture: Cape {town} Etc / Do not distribute without permission