Around 15,000 people defied the British government and hostile policing to turn out for Al-Quds Day in London today.

The static demonstration was a resounding success, drawing a bigger attendance than normal in response to a government ban on the annual procession.

The event lived up to its claims of inclusivity with people of all faiths and backgrounds coming together to call for justice for the Palestinians. Rabbis, pastors, imams, women and many children were among people from all walks of life to take part.

Palestinian flags flew alongside those of Lebanon and Iran as many participants took the opportunity to vent their anger at the Israeli led war on those countries. Memorials were laid for the 175 schoolgirls slain by a US air strike on an elementary school in Minab, Iran.

Speaking at the rally, the musician Bob Vylan, chastised the government and its supporters. “A hate march is what they call it, but we do not operate from a place of hatred, we operate from a place of love. Love for the people of Palestine”, he said.

Rabbi Weiss of Neturei Karta said: “We want to remind everyone that the biggest enemy of everyone, Jews, everyone, is Zionism”.

Police deployed 900 officers including boats on the Thames in a show of force meant to intimidate and harass the demonstrators but the event again passed off without incident.

IHRC Chair Massoud Shadjareh said: “They can try to legislate, they can demonise and they can criminalise us. But today’s event showed that nothing, not even a corrupted and compromised government, can stop ordinary people from voicing their opposition to the genocide in Palestine”.

[ENDS]

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