Thousands, including 500 French entertainment stars, marched silently from the Arab World Institute to the Museum of Art and History of Judaism in Paris. The diverse assembly, spanning various cultures, held blank white banners as a symbol of their call for peace in the Middle East.
Joining forces with thousands of fellow demonstrators, the marchers raised their voices for peace in Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel. Last week saw a nationwide movement, with over 180,000 people, including 100,000 in Paris, participating in peaceful protests against rising anti-Semitism following Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
Beyond France, a pro-Palestinian rally unfolded in Helsinki, Finland, where participants voiced their demands to end the violence against Palestinians. Meanwhile, in Warsaw, Poland, thousands gathered in support of Israel, calling for the release of over 240 Israeli hostages seized by Hamas on October 7th. The rally, attended by Israel’s ambassador to Poland, the Chief Rabbi of Poland, and members of the opposition parties, emphasized their stance amidst tensions.
Warsaw’s mayor, Rafal Trzaskowski, faced controversy last week when attempting to ban a pro-Palestinian march on safety grounds. Despite the attempt, the district court ruled in favor of the organizers, allowing the peaceful march to proceed. The NGO Article 19, advocating for freedom of speech, condemned the mayor’s attempt to hinder the demonstration.
