DEARBORN — On Saturday, July 26 hundreds attended the annual International Day of Al-Quds rally at Dearborn City Hall. 

Similar Al Quds Day rallies took place the same day around the globe on that day,  the last Friday of Ramadan. The event is held to express solidarity with the Palestinian people; those who face oppression in different countries and oppose Zionism, as well as Israel’s control of Jerusalem. 

This year, the rally garnered an especially large crowd because of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza. 

Protesters condemned the recent attacks on Gaza and held up signs that read, “Independent Palestine State Now” and “If 9/11 deserves a moment of silence…then Palestine deserves us never to speak again!” 

Demonstrators also urged the United States to stop aid to Israel. Another rally in support of Gaza was held the same weekend and a White House petition entitled “Stop Ignoring the Palestinian Problem” is circulating.  Members of the community are encouraged to go online and sign it. 

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee this week called on its members to partake in a silent candlelight vigil at the White House on Wednesday, July 30 in honor of Palestinians who have lost their lives in Israel’s current massacre of Gaza.