Kathmandu, Nepal—The streets of Kathmandu burst into a vibrant display of unity and compassion as thousands of Nepali youth, workers, and activists gathered to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine. Organized by Joint Campaign Nepal, the rally was a powerful testament to global connectedness and the shared desire for peace.
A Colorful March Through Kathmandu
Starting at Maitighar Mandala, the rally moved through the bustling streets, growing in numbers as bystanders joined in. Chants of “Free Palestine!” and “End the Violence!” filled the air. People carried colorful placards and banners with messages like “Humanity First” and “Stop the Genocide.” Many wore traditional Nepali attire adorned with Palestinian flags, symbolizing the bond between the two peoples.
Voices from the Heart
At a public meeting concluding the march, a diverse group of speakers shared their thoughts and feelings:
- Ananya, a university student, expressed her solidarity: “As youth, we cannot ignore the suffering of others. Palestinians are losing their homes and loved ones. We must raise our voices because their fight for justice is our fight too.”
- Rajesh, a labor union leader, connected the struggle to broader issues: “This isn’t just about one region. It’s about oppressed people everywhere standing up against injustice. Workers around the world face exploitation, and we must unite to demand fair treatment for all.”
- Sita, a human rights activist, highlighted the humanitarian crisis: “Children are growing up amidst bombs and fear. Hospitals are overwhelmed. As humans, it’s our duty to support them and call for an immediate end to the violence.”
- Amir, a member of a local cultural group, performed a song blending Nepali and Palestinian themes. “Music transcends borders,” he said. “Through art, we can share our empathy and hope for a better future.”
Understanding the Conflict: A Brief History
To grasp the depth of the issue, it’s important to look back:
- British Mandate and Broken Promises: After World War I, Britain took control of Palestine. The Balfour Declaration of 1917 promised a homeland for Jewish people but also assured rights for the existing Arab population. Conflicting promises led to rising tensions.
- Migration and Displacement: Increased Jewish migration to the area led to disputes over land. Local Arab populations felt threatened as they lost homes and resources.
- UN Partition Plan and Creation of Israel: In 1947, the UN proposed dividing the land. The plan was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by Arab leaders. In 1948, Israel declared independence, leading to war and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians—a tragedy known as the Nakba or “catastrophe.”
- Continued Expansion: Over the decades, Israel expanded its territories, often in violation of international laws. Settlements were built on occupied lands, further displacing Palestinians.
- Efforts for Peace and Setbacks: The PLO sought peaceful solutions, recognizing Israel in hopes of establishing a Palestinian state. However, progress was hindered. In 1995, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, who was working towards peace, was assassinated by an Israeli extremist opposing his efforts.
- Rise of Hardline Views: With peace efforts stalled, groups like Hamas gained support among Palestinians frustrated by the lack of progress. In Israel, hardline right-wing factions grew stronger, opposing concessions.
- US Involvement: The United States has been a strong ally of Israel, providing military and financial support. Many believe this backing has emboldened aggressive policies against Palestinians.
Different Perspectives Shared at the Rally
Speakers and protesters at the Kathmandu rally brought varied perspectives:
- Economic Connections: Some highlighted how global economies are intertwined with the conflict. “Our own government’s silence isn’t just political—it’s economic,” said Deepak, an economist. “We need to question how international trade and aid might indirectly support oppression.”
- Cultural Solidarity: Priya, a teacher, drew parallels between Nepal’s history and Palestine’s struggles. “We’ve faced our own challenges with governance and external influence. Empathy comes from understanding that their history could be ours.”
- Youth Engagement: Young participants emphasized the role of the new generation. “We have access to information like never before,” noted Anil, a high school student. “We can’t claim ignorance. It’s up to us to push for change.”
- Calls for Global Action: Meera, a social worker, urged international communities to act. “It’s not enough to watch from afar. Governments and organizations must step in to mediate and provide humanitarian aid.”
Why Standing with Palestine Matters
The rally wasn’t just about distant politics—it was a heartfelt call to recognize our shared humanity. Standing with Palestine isn’t a favor; it’s a responsibility. Ignoring the suffering of others makes us complicit in injustice.
A Generation’s Responsibility
“If we stay silent now, history will judge us harshly,” warned Kiran, a university professor. “We don’t want to be the generation that did nothing while innocent lives were lost. We must act, not out of charity, but out of duty to our fellow human beings.”
How You Can Make a Difference
Feeling inspired by the rally? Here’s how you can help:
- Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the history and current events. Share reliable information with your network.
- Use Your Voice: Speak out on social media, write to your local representatives, and participate in discussions.
- Support Humanitarian Efforts: Donate to organizations providing aid to those affected by the conflict.
- Promote Peace and Understanding: Engage in dialogues that foster empathy and discourage hate.
A Unified Call for Peace
The Kathmandu rally showed that people from all walks of life can come together for a common cause. The voices of the Nepali youth and activists echoed a universal desire for peace, justice, and humanity.
By standing together, we can contribute to a world where compassion overcomes conflict. The time to act is now—not just for Palestine, but for the values that bind us all as human beings.