“What do we want? A ceasefire. When do we want it? Now!”
Those words filled LeClaire Park on Saturday afternoon as dozens of people gathered to support the Palestinians caught in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Quad Cities Coalition for Palestine organized the rally and march that began at the LeClaire Park band shell and made its way down River Drive.
About 300 people attended the rally, organizers told Our Quad Cities News.
An organizer named James says the goal of the organization is to point out the plight of the Palestinian people as well as what he called the violation of human rights and the unjust killing of innocent people.
James is particularly troubled by the involvement of the United States in the conflict. “We need to stop funding the the bombs, the war machine. We need to stop aiding and abetting the hostility, coming from the Israeli government,” he said.
James says the organization does not support Hamas. “We are advocates for the Palestinian people who deserve their God given rights, just as every Israeli,” he said.
The organization held a similar rally in late February. On its Facebook page, the Quad Cities Coalition for Palestine describes itself as a diverse group of peace activists who want to educate people in the Quad Cities about the challenges faced by Palestinians and work together for a better future.
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