Prague, November 6, 2023 – Hundreds of people took to the streets of Prague on Sunday afternoon to express their solidarity with the Palestinian people amidst the ongoing conflict with Israel. The peaceful march, which saw an estimated 200 to 300 participants, provided a platform for individuals to display banners and Palestinian flags, while speakers passionately highlighted the plight of Palestinian children and urged an end to the violence in Palestine.

The demonstration commenced at 14:30 in Malostranské náměstí, and after less than an hour, the crowd marched through the heart of Prague to Wenceslas Square, where they arrived around 17:00. Half an hour later, the participants dispersed, and according to the police, the event transpired without any disturbances.

Police officers were present throughout the gathering, ensuring the safety and order of the event. Police spokeswoman Violeta Siřišťová confirmed, “It was without disruption of public order.”

At the outset of the demonstration in Malostranské náměstí, protesters unfurled a large banner in English, bearing the message “Stop the killing in Palestine / End the occupation.” Other participants held smaller signs conveying similar sentiments. Speakers addressing the crowd emphasized the urgent need to halt the violence. “Together we can stop genocide, together we can liberate Palestine,” declared one speaker. Another speaker pointed out the dire consequences of the lack of essential supplies like medicines and food, emphasizing, “There is no life in a land where fear reigns.”

During the march towards Wenceslas Square, the participants chanted the English slogan “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” a phrase that has been associated with Palestinian nationalists since the 1960s. The slogan references the geographic area from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, which includes Israel. While this slogan has been criticized as being genocidal, the police did not intervene during its use in the demonstration.

The march in Prague exemplified the international concern and empathy for the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, as people from various backgrounds united to call for an end to the violence and suffering in Palestine.

Article by Prague Forum