Hundreds march in Cork against slaughter in Lebanon & Palestine

international | anti-war | news report Saturday August 12, 2006 21:44 by Anti-War Ireland, Cork

Upwards of three hundred people marched through Cork's main thoroughfare Patrick Street this afternoon (Saturday) to express their revulsion at the ongoing Israeli onslaught against Lebanon and Palestine.

The crowed gathered in Daunt's Square where they were addressed by a number of public representatives and spokespeople from the joint organisers, Anti-War Ireland, Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Cork Alliance Against War. A large number of Cork's Arab community was present. Palestinian flags and a number of other flags waved in the wind to add to the atmosphere.

The gathering was addressed at various points by Dan Boyle TD (Green Party), Kathleen Lynch TD (Labour) , Councillor Mick Barry (Socialist Party), Pat O'Sullivan (Cork Alliance Against War), James Bowen (Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign), John Jefferies (Anti-War Ireland) and Driss Belmajdoub of Cork's Muslim community.

Speaker after speaker expressed outrage at the failure of the so-called international community to rein in Israel, and many were scornful of last night's United Nations resolution, pointing out Israel's appalling record in complying with such resolutions.

Many trade unionists were present including representatives of Cork Council of Trade Unions and a banner from the Independent Workers' Union. Political parties and groups represented (in addition to the above) included the Workers Solidarity Movement, Sinn Fein, Socialist Workers Party, Communist Party and Workers' Party.

The march proceeded along Patrick Street getting strong support from the thronged street, with thousand of people out to do their weekly shopping. Cars and buses honked as they passed and many members of the public joined the march for a period. The march culminated at Emmet Place where the remaining speakers addressed the crowd.