The bottom steps of Yonkers City Hall were filled with several hundred protestors chanting, “Freedom for Palestine” in support of the Palestinian people in their current struggle with Israel. The protestors called for a stop to the bombing of Gaza and calling out the actions of Irsaeli police. Some called for a stop of U.S. aid to Israel.
Council President Mike Khader also attended the rally and posted the following. “This weekend, I was proud to join fellow community members on the steps of city call to gather in solidarity with the Palestinian people. For more than 70 years now, Palestinians have been forced from their homes, subjected to occupation, and criticized for calling for equality, freedom, and justice. The good news is that the international community, and people like me who believe in those values everywhere, are increasingly hearing their call. Everyone has a right to safety, including Palestinians and their families. We will be able to have peace in the region when that right is respected, and in order for that to happen, it is on us to take a stand and demand justice and safety for all. No exceptions. Solidarity with the Palestinian people means standing against all forms of racism, because none of us will be free until all of us are free. You can count me to stand up for all of our communities, whether they are Black, Arab, undocumented, Jewish, Asian, LGBTQ, or others. Praying for peace and justice in the region,” said Khader, who said in a video at the rally,
“This is bigger than religion. This is bigger than land. This is genocide, and our country is staying quiet.”
