Pro-Palestinians condemn U.S. support for Israel

On April 8, protesters gathered in front of the U.S Embassy in response to the U.S government’s funding and support for Israel Pic by Pradeep Pathirana

Demonstrators from various backgrounds gathered to show solidarity with the people of Palestine and emphasise the urgent need for action 

It has been exactly 18 months since the genocide in Gaza began in 2023

Regardless of an announcement of a ceasefire, bombings and killings continued in Gaza, and people were murdered in mosques during Ramadan

A protest was held on April 8 in front of the U.S. Embassy as a response to the U.S. government’s funding and support for Israel, and the war crimes against Palestinians. The protest also addressed the Sri Lankan government’s stance on the issue while drawing attention to the growing presence of Israeli settlers and running illegal businesses in the country. Demonstrators from various backgrounds gathered to demand action, raise awareness, and show solidarity with the people of Palestine. 

 Tassy Dahlan, from the Free Palestine Movement of Sri Lanka, remarked, “It has been exactly 18 months since the genocide in Gaza began in 2023, but in reality, this genocide has been ongoing since 1948. The only difference now is that we are more aware of the situation, thanks to social media. We stand here in front of the U.S. Embassy because, after President Trump took office, he promised to end the war. However, all we’ve heard from him are outrageous comments like ‘clean up Gaza’. We are protesting against President Trump and Elon Musk’s support and funding of Israel’s atrocities against innocent Palestinians. Although a ceasefire was announced, it only lasted a few days, and the killings and bombings never stopped, even during the month of Ramadan, when people were murdered in mosques. We are here to show our support and solidarity with the people of Palestine. We want them to have the right to an independent state, to live freely, and to rebuild Gaza, which has been reduced to rubble. We want to give them a chance to live in peace without the constant fear of bombardment and death”.  

Rev. Fr. Lionel Peiris, who joined the protest, said, “I am here because I am deeply horrified by what is happening in Palestine. It is clear to me that this is a crime against humanity. There are reports of Israeli soldiers taking photos of murdered Palestinians, including children, and laughing at them—this level of dehumanisation is what we are witnessing in this conflict. The West continues to orchestrate the media, referring to it as an ‘alleged genocide’ and claiming there are ‘two sides to the story.’ But it’s undeniable that only one side is committing atrocities, and yet they still maintain a neutral stance. There has to be an awakening, even in Sri Lanka. It seems the government is solely focused on economic recovery, with no sense of morality. One moment, they express support for Palestine, and the next, they are negotiating with Israel to bring businesses here,” he remarked. 

Rev. Fr. Peiris further spoke about an experience at a Chabad house. He claimed that the people in charge calmly told him not to believe anything in the news and insisted that the land belonged to them. “What shocked me the most, however, was when they said that the Palestinians should be ‘annihilated.’ This must be stopped immediately, we all need to come together and stand strong with the Palestinians, and against the ethnic cleansing that is taking place,” he added. 

The Chabad House, traditionally known to be a Jewish community center, is now being labelled as ‘Zionist supporters’ assisting the Israeli military in its atrocities committed against Palestinians. Reports indicate that there are four such outposts in Sri Lanka, located in Green Path, Arugam Bay, Weligama, and Ella. Widely shared social media posts have urged the Sri Lankan government to take immediate action by targeting these establishments under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and to actively combat international terrorism.

“I’ve joined the protest today because it’s not enough to just stay at home and tell people you support Palestine. It’s important to be proactive, vocal, and do as much as you can—whether that’s through boycotting or protesting,” Josephine, from the UK, commented. 

Ravanthi, a young participant at the protest shared her thoughts, “I find it extremely difficult to witness what’s happening in Palestine and not do anything about it, I think it’s easy to distance ourselves from the conflict and say it has nothing to do with us here in Sri Lanka, but that shouldn’t be the norm. It’s important to do what we can to show our solidarity with Palestine and raise awareness about the genocide”.

Arqam Muneer, from the Social Justice Party, stated, “We are gathered here to stand against the brutal genocide taking place in Gaza. Also, what happened in Palestine in the 1930s is now unfolding in our own country. Land is being bought at inflated prices in Arugam Bay, and Israeli settlers are moving in. This mirrors how the Israelis gradually captured Palestinian land, leading to the forced displacement of countless people. If we don’t take action against these illegal Israeli settlers and businesses operating in Sri Lanka, we could face a similar fate to that of Palestine within the next 20 to 30 years. I urge all Sri Lankans, regardless of race or ethnicity, to speak out against this genocide and the unlawful activities of Israeli tourists in our country.” 

Overall, voices from Sri Lankans and foreigners united at the protest to emphasise the urgent need for action from the Sri Lankan government, the international community and individuals to stand against the oppression and injustices committed against Palestinians.