Greek March Honors 76th Anniversary of Nakba
Palestinians living in Greece gathered in the capital Athens to protest against Israel’s attacks on Palestine and to commemorate the Nakba, a day of great sorrow and displacement for Palestinians.
The group, consisting of Palestinians, non-governmental organizations, and students, first marched to the US Embassy and then to the Israeli Embassy in Athens. During the protest, activists shouted anti-US slogans and expressed their outrage at Israel’s actions.
Leyla Celed, a Palestinian who experienced the Nakba at a young age in 1948, shared her story of being forced to flee her home and seek refuge in Lebanon. She emphasized that the exile experienced by Palestinians has continued ever since that day, leading to a life of constant displacement and uncertainty.
Celed spoke of her struggles of finding a place to call home, stating that even though her children were born in Greece, they do not have a sense of belonging and feel stateless. She highlighted the fact that Palestinian families have been torn apart and scattered across different countries, facing hardships and challenges wherever they go.
Mohammed Seyid, President of the Palestinian Community in Greece, emphasized the significance of the Nakba as a day that is deeply rooted in Palestinian history and passed down through generations. He condemned Israel’s ongoing genocide operations in Palestine, which have left the country devastated and its people in desperate need of aid.
Naim el Gadur, President of the Muslim Association in Greece, criticized the lack of action from Israel and the West in addressing the plight of Palestinians, highlighting the fear that Israelis may seek refuge in Western countries if they lose the conflict. He stressed the historical role of Muslims in saving Jews from persecution in Europe and called for solidarity in the fight for justice and peace in Palestine.
The protest in Athens ended in a clash between the police and activists, leading to the arrest of three individuals. Despite the challenges and obstacles faced by Palestinians, the community remains united in their call for freedom and justice, chanting “Free Palestine from river to sea” as a symbol of their resilience and determination.
