More protests for Palestine held in Windsor

Palestinian protesters of all ages gathered on Nov. 4 to devote their voices in support of the conflict occurring in the middle east. 

The protesters met at the parking lot near the University of Windsor and continued their marching protest through the streets of downtown. 

Protestors solemnly gathered to voice their opposition to the occurring conflict.  

Men and women of all ages spoke through speakers, leading the protesters while on the back of two trucks, pouring their hearts out in defiance of the claimed attacks upon Gaza which touched the protesters and nearby residents, who could be seen popping their heads out of windows with recording smartphones. 

Smiles were apparent among the protesters, content to be protesting in unison. 

The signs they were raising had messages in all capitals, such as: “STOP FUNDING WAR CRIMES,” “END THE OCCUPATION,” “STOP THE GENOCIDE,” “BOMBING KIDS IS NOT SELF DEFENSE.” Some Arabic phrases were protested as well. 

Palestinian flags were not the only flags seen throughout the protest. Flags from Lebanon and Syria were held high showing that this is not solely a Palestinian protest, but a global one.  

Volunteers wearing yellow high visibility vests held together a long line of yellow string to keep the protesters within line. A method held in place to avoid disorder. 

A distinguishable Caucasian man was holding a sign that read: “YOU DON’T NEED TO BE MUSLIM TO STAND UP FOR GAZA!!” 

Police were in front and behind the protesters in cars and outside of them, observing and making sure everything remained safe throughout the protest. 

Some of the protesters were holding a large Palestinian flag above their heads as they marched all together. 

A drone flew about 50 to 100 feet above the protesters, capturing the whole scene. 

As night fell, protesters returned to the university parking lot from where they gathered at the start. 

One of the men on the truck shouted “TAKBIR”, an Islamic saying, which in translation means “a call to glorify the one God.” Protesters responded with “ALLAH HU AKBAR” which in translation means the one God is the greatest. 

“We will keep protesting,” said one of the men on the truck. “We will keep coming out because it is our right to do so. We are protesting peacefully for change, and we won’t stop until we implement change.” 

One of the ladies on the truck announced that Maghrib prayer (the Sunset Prayer) will be prayed in the location where they stopped. 

She also mentioned a strike for all high school students on Nov. 13. She urged parents to make sure their children know they have a voice and to stand by their voice. 

After the lady gave her speech, a man called the Adhan, the Islamic call to prayer, which translates to “to listen.”