Join Events on 75th Anniversary of Al Nakba
May 15 marks the 75th anniversary of the start of an ethnic cleansing operation that resulted in some 750,000 Palestinians being driven out of their homes and their lands by Israeli military forces during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. The Israeli army attacked 774 cities and villages, eventually occupying 80 per cent of Palestinian lands, after killing nearly 15,000 Muslim and Christian civilians. Those who survived were forced to migrate to the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and neighbouring countries such as Syria, Jordan and Lebanon. Every year Al Nakba is marked by demonstrations in Palestine and other countries around the world.
In 1952 Canada’s Immigration Act officially restricted non-European immigration to Canada in an effort to “keep Canada white.” Despite this, in 1956, Canada launched an ad hoc resettlement program with the United Nations Relief Works Agency for Palestine for Palestinian refugees who were displaced from their homeland. Most of those who came to Canada in the first group of refugees were industrial or construction workers.
The crimes committed in the past continue to this day with more forced removals of Palestinians from their lands every day. All peace loving Canadians must condemn these violations of human rights and demand that the settlements be stopped, violence be ended, and the right of return be respected. The youth in Palestine and those of Palestinian origin born and raised in Canada are boldly affirming the Palestinian right to be. They deserve everyone’s support.
Saturday, May 13
Ottawa
Saturday, May 13 – 2:00 pm
Human Rights Memorial, 220 Elgin St
Toronto
Saturday, May 13 – 1:30 pm
Yonge – Dundas Square
London
Saturday, May 13, 3 pm
Masonville Corner (Richmond St & Fanshawe Park Rd.)
Windsor
Saturday May 13 – 2:30 pm
Protest Rally & March
Gather at City Hall Square, Windsor
Winnipeg
Saturday, May 13 – 2:00 pm
Memorial park, across from Legislature
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Sunday, May 14
Montreal
Sunday, May 14 – 2:00 pm
Israeli Consulate, 1 Westmount Sq.
Kitchener-Waterloo
Sunday, May 14 – 1:00 pm
Waterloo Public Square
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Vancouver
Sunday, May 14 – 1:00 pm
Vancouver Art Gallery
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Monday, May 15
Kingston
Monday, May 15 – 7:00 pm
Springer Market Square behind City Hall
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Saskatoon
Monday, May 15 – 12:00 pm
Broadway and 10th St.
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