Hundreds march peacefully in Tampa in support of Palestinians amid Gaza-Israel conflict

Samantha Gholar, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Updated ·2 min read
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TAMPA — In a display of support for Palestinians across the Tampa Bay region, several hundred Palestinians and their supporters gathered Friday night to denounce the Israeli government's bombing of Gaza and call for an end to the Hamas-Israel conflict.

Palestinian flags, posters, and Arabic prayers filled the area near City Hall in downtown Tampa as demonstrators peacefully rallied before marching around a small block of the city. The Tampa Police Department escorted the approximately 500 demonstrators for security during the event. The event had been promoted as part of an "International Day of Action for Gaza."

While a handful of onlookers voiced support for Israel in passing, the event mostly drew supporters of Gaza residents and Palestinians. Children, including babies were draped in red, black, and green colors of the flag of Palestine, and teenagers and young Palestinian men wore keffiyehs, a traditional scarf worn by members of the Arabic community in a display of culture and heritage.

The demonstrators gathered on the Tampa City Hall steps to denounce what they called half-truths about the ongoing conflict and to express their experiences as Palestinians affected by the violence.

"We're doing nothing wrong; we want to speak, we are trying to speak, to live," said Tampa resident Muhammad A-Himeid. "The problem is, what's really happening, the public can't see all of what's going on. There are so many lies, it's all about lies, nothing (we see) is the truth."

Demonstrators, Palestinians and community members rallied and marched through part of downtown Tampa Friday evening, calling for the end of the Israeli-Hamas conflict and the peaceful existence of Palestinians in Tampa Bay and across the globe.
Demonstrators, Palestinians and community members rallied and marched through part of downtown Tampa Friday evening, calling for the end of the Israeli-Hamas conflict and the peaceful existence of Palestinians in Tampa Bay and across the globe.

Himeid expressed frustration over not only the conflict overseas but said that locally, hatred is too often a part of Palestinians' daily lives.

Educator, activist, and executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Florida Abdullah Jaber addressed the demonstrators, speaking emphatically and calling for acknowledgment of the suffering and injustice experienced by Palestinians.

Tampa resident Nader Asmer, who came to the United States in 1985, said the acts against Palestine community members have been ongoing for decades.

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"We are just here trying to be united. We can support all of Palestine, all Palestinians, not just the ones trapped in Gaza. Our people are dying all over the world," Asmer said.

Tampa has one of the largest populations of Palestinian Americans in the state, according to CAIR officials. The demonstration was one of two in support of Palestinians this week among a handful of others across the state of Florida.

Samantha Gholar covers social justice news for the Herald-Tribune and USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at sgholar@gannett.com or on Twitter: @samanthagholar

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Palestine supporters march in Tampa to denounce Gaza bombing