Tensions run high at UW pro-Palestine rally

The University of Washington’s Red Square echoed with hundreds of activists Thursday, chanting, “Free, free, Palestine, within our lifetime.” People climbed the railings of the Suzzallo Library and waved the Palestinian flag. Many held signs reading “Free Palestine.”

Tensions were high as vocal counter protestors were also present in Red Square, waving the flag of Israel. Organizers who wore bright yellow vests broke up multiple fights as both groups of protesters yelled into each other’s faces.

“What we are seeing right now is a manifestation of over 75 years of ethnic cleansing, settler colonialism, and oppression,” said Vissan Varghouti, an organizer of the pro-Palestine rally.

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Varghouti wore a keffiyeh, a white scarf with black patterns, a symbol of Palestinian resistance. She has family in the area, and talks to them daily to confirm their safety.

“There is a piece of this where Palestinians are holding hope while also holding a deep amount of grief,” Varghouti said. “We are hopeful at the possibility of life. But, we are also deeply grieving the ones that we have lost and are about to lose.”

The demonstrations in Seattle come days after the Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel, and after Israel launched counter attacks into Gaza.

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“I don't think that the question here is: Is violence justified? I think the question is: Is Israel justified in occupying us for 75 years?” Varghouti said.

Activists also chanted “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” This chant is a demand that the land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea be established as the state of Palestine. This is the entire region that includes the nation of Israel and Palestinian territories. This chant is common at such demonstrations. Its purpose has been debated, and its meaning depends on who you ask. Some claim it calls for the erasure of the Israeli state. Others claim it calls for the establishment of a Palestinian state. Some governments have cancelled demonstrations because of this chant.

“We can’t say we want peace without implementing change, from a Palestinian perspective because they’re occupied,” said rally-goer Yasmin Lukatah, who is half Palestinian. “They don't want to be occupied any longer. It's incredibly distressing to go to Palestine and to see the occupation and just the inhumane treatment by the Israelis, to the Palestinians.”

Lukatah said the recent violence is "extremely emotional" and "disturbing." She also called what is happening to Palestinians "genocide," adding that she wants peace, along with change in Gaza and the West Bank. But she doesn't know if a two state solution is realistic, she said.

“The problem is the Palestinians don't want to give up the land. Israel wants all the land. What are we going to do? I don't have an answer.”

“In my eyes, it comes down to education,” she added, noting one solution. “Making sure that you're not taught to hate one another. How can you hate someone that you're in school with from the age of 3 years old?”

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Protesters also called for the American government to stop sending military aid to Israel.

Another pro-Palestine rally is set for Saturday, Oct. 14 at Seattle’s Westlake Park.