Anger and sadness can be read on the faces of the demonstrators taking part in the pro-Palestine demonstration on Sunday. Yet many also say they are proud, especially because of the turnout. “It’s a kind of relief that we are standing here in such large numbers.”
No, she is not Palestinian. But, says artist and graphic designer Ajša: “Many of my friends are. They can’t demonstrate. That’s why I want to be here, so that their voices are heard.”
A young Dutch woman with Indonesian roots knows no one in Israel or Gaza. She is also there out of solidarity, she says. “I know how brutal the struggle for independence has been in Indonesia. That is why we must stand in solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters.”
Solidarity and relief
Many demonstrators say they have come to Dam Square to demonstrate in solidarity with Gaza. On stage, a Palestinian-Dutch woman with family in Gaza emotionally tells her story. “My friends and family have nothing to do with Hamas.”
In addition to being sad and angry, some demonstrators are also happy to make their voices heard. “I am very proud of all those people who came here to stand up for the oppressed,” says one man. A father who listens to the speeches on Dam Square with his son on his shoulders says he is hopeful. “To stand here with people who also want to express their anger, it feels good. I feel a connection, and a kind of relief that we are standing here in such large numbers.”
More than ten thousand participants
Just before three the procession leaves from Dam Square towards Westerpark. The demonstration has attracted more than ten thousand demonstrators, says a spokesperson for the municipality. Similar demonstrations were banned in France and Germany for fear of riots.
The Amsterdam municipal council therefore allowed the demonstration to continue. The municipality had announced in advance that it would take action if the law were violated. Calling for violence is not allowed, and carrying flags of Hamas or Hezbollah is also prohibited. A man carrying a green flag must hand it in to the police for further inspection, but can participate in the demonstration without any problems.
At the end of the demonstration, just after five o’clock, there were no major disturbances. Only at the Beursplein, at a pro-Israel demonstration, the riot police had to intervene.