I’ve attended a protest against the violent oppression of demonstrators in Burma (Myanmar). Many people, Burmese and Israelis, attended the demonstration that took place in front of the Burmese embassy in Tel Aviv.
Before I describe the protest, I’d like to point your attention to a new international blogging initiative for Burma:
International bloggers are preparing an action to support the peaceful revolution in Burma. We want to set a sign for freedom and show our sympathy for these people who are fighting their cruel regime without weapons. These Bloggers are planning to refrain from posting to their blogs on October 4 and just put up one Banner then, underlined with the words „Free Burma!“.
All the details are here. Thanks to Mash for bringing it up.
More pictures from the Burma protest in Tel Aviv (slideshow).
The demonstration was well organized despite being arranged in a short notice. There were signs in Burmese, English and Hebrew. The protesters were shouting loud slogans against the military junta, and for releasing Aung San Suu Kyi, and the rest of the political prisoners. The guy at the megaphone cried “We want” and the crowd answered “Democracy”.
Two Israelis also said some words. One guy came from the Tibet solidarity movement in Israel. He spoke about the strength and determination of the Burmese monks and public that use no violence in their protests. Another Israeli speaker came from Amnesty International. Both Israeli speakers didn’t talk about the Israeli side of the story. Israel still maintains full diplomatic relations with Burma. In addition, Israeli firms sell lots of arms to this dark regime.
Another Israeli anecdote: The police secured the demonstration. That’s alright. But they used the presence of many Burmese nationals to check their papers and verify that they weren’t illegal immigrants. Quite an ugly sight.
All in all it was a bigger than expected demonstration and the protesters (with myself amongst them) expressed a clear (and loud message). I hope that this protest, alongside other protests around the world, will help bring some relief to the oppressed people of Burma.
