London’s Muslims Gather On Al-Quds Day To Protest The Existence Of The State Of Israel

Muslims were joined by self-loathing Jews in the rally against Zionism that started near BBC Broadcasting House in Portland Place, central London, at around 3.30pm.

Pro-Palestinian protestors were met by a counter-demonstration in support of Israel outside the US Embassy. A few hundred pro-Israel demonstrators and the opposing march exchanged a battle of words while lines of police kept them physically separated.

Ahead of the march, protestor Mohammad Saeed, 58, of Kingsbury, north west London, said: “Our demonstration shows we do not agree with what’s going on in Palestine.” Pesach Shloime Hirsch was one of around a dozen Orthodox Jews who joined in with anti-Zionism protestors.

Mr Hirsch, a 47-year-old nutrition researcher who travelled from Manchester to take part, said: “We are here to show solidarity with the Palestinians who are suffering.”

The two protests met in Grosvenor Square, Westminster, west London, at around 5pm.

Eileen Martell, 59, of north London, was among the pro-Israel counter demonstration held behind railings.

She said: “Our presence is to show a peaceful demonstration in support of peace, not hate.” A Metropolitan Police officer at the scene confirmed no violence had broken out.

A force spokesman said: “We have not been informed of any violence. We had an appropriate plan in place.”

The Islamic Human Rights Commission, which organised the march, said the end point was selected as a rallying point against the USA’s “unyielding support” of Israel.  Quds Day, also know as Al-Quds day, is an annual international event held towards the end of Ramadan.

It has been marked globally since being inaugurated in 1979 by Ayatollah Khomeini, who asked for the last Friday in the Islamic holy month of Ramadan to be set aside as a day for uniting against Israel and showing support for Palestinians. source

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