Thousands Raise Voice Against Israeli Terror
10 January 2009
As Israel continued its bombardments in Gaza, a large number of protesters took to the streets in simultaneous protests all across the emirates, shouting slogans and, raising banners and placards depicting the innocent victims, mainly children.
As the clock struck four in the evening, the Creek Park in Dubai, Buheirah Corniche in Sharjah, Manal Mall in Ras Al Khaimah and the Abu Dhabi corniche were scenes of different nationalities joining hands to show support and solidarity for Palestine and for the people suffering from the continuous violence.
Donations came in millions of dirhams as people shouted slogans and waived the Palestine flags under the watchful eyes of the police.
The Capital witnessed the biggest protest as over 20,000 people of all nationalities marched along the corniche demanding an immediate stop to the 'massacres'.
Carrying Palestinian flags and banners that read "We are behind you Gaza" and "Stop the holocaust in Gaza", the protesters expressed their anger at the silence of governments around the world.
Rasha Hassan, a student at Al Wardiya School said, "My uncles and aunts are currently living in Gaza, and we try to keep in touch with them as much as we can but it is very emotionally difficult for us because they have been in constant danger," she said.
Erin Hamed from the US said she hopes that her government will change its position on the Middle East after the Obama administration comes to office.
"I hope Americans are starting to get a clearer picture. As an American living in the United States, I never saw the camps were the Palestinians live. I think if people were more informed they would demand more from their politicians," she said.
In Dubai, hundreds gathered at the Creek Park with flags of Palestine and carried banners showing the devastating situations in Gaza.
The protesters started shouting with slogans against Israel along with 'takbeer'. "The Gaza attack is a crime against humanity. We condemn the attack and are ready to help the Gazans who are suffering from the hostilities," said Juma Obaid Al Falasi, Assistant Director General for Charitable Affairs, one of the organisers.
"I feel helpless because I cannot do anything for my people. I came here to protest because that's the only mean for me to express my anger and grief," said Atta Obeid, a Palestinian who works in Dubai ministry of health.
Mustafa Mohammed, an Indian national said, "This act of Israel cannot be tolerated. I participated in the protest because I feel sorry for the poor children who were killed by the Israeli bombs."
Sharjah saw around 10,000 people gathering at the corniche area as a show of solidarity. 
Top police officials such as Brig. Mubarak Al Dukhan, Deputy Director of the Police and Brig. Yousif Al Naqabi, Director of CID also attended the gathering to ensure safety and security.
Khamees Al Suwaidi, Director of Red Crescent, which had set up a tent for the donations said donations touched as much as Dh5 million.
An Arab national donated six trucks loaded with food items and medicines while another donated a Rolls Royce.
Women were seen weeping and crying over the lost lives of innocent children.
"When a nation is assaulted and its peace and security are brutally violated, a message must go out to the aggressor. The Palestine nation is today the victim of an unjust war," said Fadi Ameer, a rally organiser.
In Ras Al Khaimah hundreds of people belonging to different nationalities gathered near the RAK based Manal Mall demonstrating their anger and protesting against the 'Israel' carnage.
They called on the UN and the international community, especially the US to pressurise Israel for an immediate end to the Gaza massacres.
Alkhaleej
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