Hundreds of people marched through the streets of Brisbane City on April 18, showing their support for Palestine and rallying against the Australian government.
Almost 200 demonstrators gathered in King George Square, protesting the Australian government’s involvement with selling weapons to Israel and their unwillingness to recognise a Palestinian state.
One of the speakers was Greens MP Stephen Bates, who has openly spoken about his support for Palestine and has called for the Australian government to push for a ceasefire and de-escalation.
Bates said he doesn’t know how people are expected to go on with their lives, when we are surrounded by images of the death and destruction happening in Palestine right now.
“I don’t know how we’re expected to go on with our jobs and go to school and go to work with what’s happening on this planet right now,” Bates said.
“There is a country that is actively being investigated for committing genocide. A probable cause of committing genocide – that is what the International Court of Justice found against the state of Israel.
“And our government and other governments across the West expect us to carry on with our lives like that is not happening.”
The crowd was diverse, with students from universities and high schools from across the city, as well as many other demonstrators of all ages joining in.
Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice Councillor Erin Milne from the QUT Student Guild attended the event and stated that they believed students should continue the long tradition of walking out and taking a stance against injustices.
“I think the reason students should come to the student strike is that it’s important here in Australia, when it’s our government that is supporting the genocide in Palestine. We have a responsibility to Palestinians to take a stand on these issues.”
Chair of the rally and University of Queensland student Oula Shihan said they feel strongly about standing up for justice, and opposing a government who are continuing to allow weapons to be sold and sent overseas while Palestinians are being murdered.
“They want to do that and say that is what the Australian public want. I absolutely disagree with that. I want to say ‘not in my name’, and that the people of Brisbane and students actually support Palestine.”
High school students from around the city showed up in their school uniforms, skipping class and leaving school to join the student strike. Glass spoke to several students and asked them why they decided to attend the protest today, and why they believed this was an important issue.
“A lot of people say that younger people are the new generation, and we should be changing things. This is changing things.”
“I remember seeing this massive list of children who were killed before their first birthday. I scrolled down for a long time.”
“Staying in school isn’t changing anything, because doing things in the future isn’t helping the things happening now.”
“People are suffering right now, and nothing is being done about this. This is why we are here. Because we need to do something about this. We can’t let this go on. We can’t keep the genocide happening.”
The event was organised by Students for Palestine which has factions at all major Brisbane universities. The group is overseen by political organisation, Socialist Alternative, but encourages involvement from students of any political faction,
Follow Students for Palestine on social media for information on upcoming events.
