Protesters join big demonstration against Gaza attacks
Further protests planned at weekend
A group from Luton joined thousands of other people on a march through London on Saturday in protest against the ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza strip. Around 20 Protesters from Luton Friends Of Battir and Luton Stop The War joined forces to vent their anger about Israel's military campaign against the Palestinian area which has so far claimed more than 500 casualties.
The group met at Luton Station and travelled to London to join the march through the centre of the city to Trafalgar Square. Police estimated that around 12,000 people joined the protest.
Dave Barnes, secretary of Luton Friends Of Battir, told us that protesters of all ages were out in force to take part in the march. He said: "We were delighted to see such strength and unity from so many people."
Volunteers from the two groups handed out leaflets outside the Arndale Centre last Wednesday to drum up local support for the protest. Mr Barnes said: "A lot of people who we spoke to said that they would be going along. It has shocked people in Luton that Israel is continuing to slaughter Palistinians."
The London protest was one of 18 across the UK, and demonstrations were also held in Paris, Berlin, Rome, Athens and several Asian cities. Further demonstrations are taking place daily outside the Israeli Embassy in the capital and another national event is to be planned for this Saturday, with the group hoping that even more people will join them by meeting at Luton Station at 11.15am.
The Luton Council Of Mosques, the representative body for the town's Muslim community, has also spoken out in opposition to the attacks on Gaza and called for government action to stop what it called 'this living genocide'.
A statement read: "The Luton Council Of Mosques believes it is only right that we must do everything possible to help and save the vulnerable non-combatants, including babies, children, women and the frail who have been subjected to days of unimaginable fear and terror.
"We must continue to show that people of different faith can come together and value and respect each other. Human life is a God given gift, the sanctity of which is the core of all religions, we need to do everything possible to protect, preserve and celebrate it."
For more information about this Saturday's protest, contact Dave Barnes on 07802 890331.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Luton
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
