Hundreds of people attended a rally in downtown Nashville on Sunday to voice outrage at heavy civilian casualties from Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip and to demand a ceasefire.
The rally began at the Fred D. Thompson Courthouse. From there, the crowd — many of whom were wearing keffiyeh or traditional tatreez embroidery — took to the streets to march while holding signs and chanting slogans like “Stop the killing! Stop the war!” and “Free Palestine!”.
On Oct. 7, Hamas attacked Israel. About 1,400 people were killed, and and more than 220 hostages were abducted, according to the Israeli government.
Israel retaliated with heavy airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. More than 8,000 people have been killed — including at least 3,000 children — according to the Gaza Ministry of Health.
“I feel like the least we can do right now is come out and at least voice our horror at the genocide that’s taking place,” said Ayesha Nawaz, who is a local high school teacher.
“We can’t be silent when egregious war crimes are taking place. The desire to speak up for human dignity, human rights, children, women, elders, peace — that’s what brings us out here,” she said.
The Gaza Strip is small, densely-populated and has been under blockade for the past 16 years, which means people living there can’t easily leave. The amount of food, water, fuel and electricity that crosses into the area is controlled by the Israeli government.
Rose Gilbert WPLN News Two children wearing keffiyeh scarves hold a Palestinian flag on the steps of the courthouse.
The demonstration this Sunday was the third pro-Palestinian rally that has been held in Nashville in the past three weeks.
“People here are here because out of love for other humans,” said Alan Doyle, who attended the rally with his family, including his two young children.
“They don’t want to see killing. They don’t want to see another side destroyed. They want to see an end to conflict.”
Doyle is originally from Ireland, and explained that he sees parallels between Palestinian history and his own.
“I grew up in a country that was oppressed for hundreds of years, that was colonized, and I feel very strongly that I need to be here to show support,” he said.
The rally concluded at sunset, when the observant Muslims at the event gathered on the courthouse’s plaza to say the fourth of their five daily prayers.
Another rally is planned for this coming Saturday at Centennial Park.
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