Today I marched in solidarity with the people of Gaza in downtown Portland. There was a good turnout between 200-300 people. The ISO and FSP were the two red groups there attempting to sell newspapers. Muslim men prayed on the sidewalks. Unitarians and folks from the local Amnesty International group showed up in numbers too. Lots of people I recognized from the Lebanon protests a few years ago were also at this march. I was disappointed though for the lack of involvement from people of color generally, especially women. Though one of the main organizers of this march was a woman of color, and a very talented organizer and inclusive personality, there was still a small turnout for this sector. It’s been an exciting couple of weeks, with Republic Window factory, the Bush-shoe attack, the uprisings in Greece, and the New School take over. Then Israel decides Gaza needs to be bombed. It seems like ritual by now, as if American activists mourn Palestine, not fight for it. A few of us held signs that said “Long Live Rachel Corrie!” and the ISO lead a chant that said “Long Live Intifida!“ 

I watch the news daily from the American BBC, Al Jazeera, and CNN (and of course, Democracy Now!) about updates. So far it seems like Fatah, Egypt and Israel are in agreement, to some extent on the actions fronted against Hamas, with coinciding interests and so the Palestinian masses suffer from all sides, both internally and externally. It’s interesting to note the PFLP and their position, which I usually, but critically use a reference point for Palestinian political terrain. The PFLP opposed the Oslo Accords, or two-state solution.  On a human scale I have to say it has not got easier over the years to see terrified children trembling from the sounds of planes over head with the paralyzing fear of bombing in their eyes. In fact, it has become more intolerable. I didn’t see this speaker but I unite with his sense of indignation at the murderous actions of the Zionist state. I hope we have two, three more marches bigger than this one in Portland soon.