Pro-Palestinian demonstrators call out Cleveland leaders during heated meeting

Monday night’s Cleveland City Council meeting was vocal, passionate, and at times, disruptive as dozens of people showed up in support of Palestine.

Many in attendance held up signs with the names of children who died in Gaza and chanted “Free Palestine.” Others spoke out during a roughly 30 minute public comment period, demanding support for Palestine, and calling out Cleveland leaders who had expressed support for Israel.

The first speaker spoke in support of Israel, and those who followed spoke in support of Palestine.

“I’d like to thank those who have had the courage in these difficult times to speak the truth with integrity and courage and support the only democracy in the Middle East, the only free country, the only country that shares our values, the state of Israel in its fight against terrorism and propaganda,” said the first speaker. Behind him, people held up the names of children who died in Gaza as he spoke.

“I stand here to demand that Mayor Bibb and Cleveland City Council retract all statements made in support of the genocide committed by the state of Israel,” one Pro-Palestine speaker said. “Furthermore, I demand the council to publicly denounce the indiscriminate slaughter of Palestinians and call for a ceasefire.”

“Hiding under blatant ignorance makes you look like a follower, and last I checked, you were elected to be a leader, to direct yourself and others in a manner that will better society,” said another speaker in a message directed to Mayor Justin Bibb.

Isabel Lawrence reports. --

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