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More than 150 people gathered on February 8 for a pro-Palestine rally in Katoomba. The strong turnout reflects growing concern over United States President Donald Trump’s expressed desire to recolonise Gaza.

Speakers included Greens Senator David Shoebridge, , independent candidate for Watson, and author and activist Sara Haddad.

Shadiya Sakkouri from Mountains for Palestine told 91������̳: “We have been rallying in Katoomba for over 16 months of the genocide. More and more people are waking up to the unconscionable actions of Israel and the US. Together we say, enough!”

Shoebridge said “the US President threatens to ethnically cleanse Gaza [yet] this is not a red line for our government”. “The Prime Minister dodges questions about it and the leader of the Opposition celebrates it as a ‘big idea’.

“We have so much work to do to … We must unite around our common humanity and resist with Palestinians.”

Basyouny, who is running against Tony Burke MP in Watson, emphasised the enduring nature of the Palestinian cause.

“Remember, Palestine will be here when Trump and Netanyahu are gone,” Basyouny said. “Never stop speaking about Palestine and supporting the cause. Show the major parties you care about Palestine with your vote this election … Reward the candidates who stand with Palestine with your vote”.

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From left to right: NSW Senator David Shoebridge, Sarah O’Carrigan, Mountains for Palestine, Dr Ziad Basyouny, Aaisha Slee, Mountains for Palestine. Photo: Jenna Condie

Haddad addressed the attempts to silence Palestinian voices in media and at universities, including Antoinette Lattouf’s unlawful dismissal case against the ABC and education minister Jason Clare’s political interference in Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah’s research funding.

“Our collective resistance is having an impact. We know this because the Zionist lobby’s efforts to silence alternative voices are escalating and intensifying,” Haddad said.

“It is not antisemitic to oppose the genocide, ethnic cleansing and apartheid of Palestinians. It is never wrong to demand justice. It is never wrong to speak the truth. It is never ever wrong to stand up for human rights.” 

[Mountains for Palestine organises rallies each month on the second Saturday. The next is on March 8, 12pm, at 81-83 Katoomba Street, underneath the old Library, in Katoomba. Get in touch via or email.]