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Justice for Palestine Committee
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29th November 2002

PRESS RELEASE: Thousands to protest against Israeli aggression in London, UK
Annual march against oppression to highlight symbolic nature of Palestinian struggle

As the situation in Palestine deteriorates daily, the Justice for Palestine Committee expects thousands of protestors to attend the annual Al-Quds Day march in London this Sunday.

Recent reports from Palestine include the continued shooting of children as well as other civilians by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF). Assassinations, 24 hour curfews and home demolition have also been maintained and increased in the past year.

Speaking on behalf of the Justice for Palestine Committee, Massoud Shadjareh said:

“The IDF and the Israeli regime as a whole have used the pretext of 9/11 to target the Palestinian population of the region with increasing savagery and ferocity. Indeed, in the name of fighting terror the Israelis have killed not only children but UN Aid workers.

“Reports in the past few days of curfew violators being forced to strip naked and parade like animals at the behest of Israeli forces show the level of racism and arrogance that fuels the Zionist project. The world cannot continue to remain silent in the face of blatant murder and repression.”

The annual march takes its name from the Arabic for Jerusalem i.e. Al-Quds, the Holy Land, and uses the plight of Palestinians as a symbol for world-wide oppression perpetrated by the powerful over the weak in the name of race, religion, capitalism and other ideologies. It has particular poignancy this year as the world prepares for war against Iraq.

The annual Quds Day March takes place this year on Sunday 1 December 2002, from Hyde Park (Marble Arch) 12 noon to rally at Trafalgar Square 2.30 p.m.

For further information please contact the Press Officer on (+44) 20 8902 0888 or (+44) 7958 522 196, email: quds@ihrc.org

Organised by the Justice for Palestine Committee
www.justiceforpalestine.com

The Justice for Palestine Committee is a coalition consisting of the Islamic Centre of England, Muslim Association of Britain, Palestinian Return Centre, Friends of Al-Aqsa, Islamic Human Rights Commission, Lebanese Community Association, Association of Muslim Ulama in Europe, United Islamic Students’ Association and Innovative Minds.