Free Palestine rally at Michigan Capitol, marches on U.S. Representative Slotkin

Lansing, MI – 120 protesters rallied for Palestine at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing. After handing out flags, signs and water, the crowd gathered on the capitol steps to hear from the organizers and to chant, “Free, free Palestine!”

The spirited crowed then took to the streets and marched through Lansing chanting, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!” and “Gaza, Gaza, don’t you cry, Palestine will never die!”

Many cars honked their horns in support and Black residents came out of their homes to raise a fist and cheer. A few local people even joined the march.

“Hey Biden you should know. Israel has got to go! Hey Biden you will see. Palestine will be free!” was the chant as protesters arrived at the office of U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin, of Michigan’s 8th congressional district – a former CIA analyst. Outside a six-story office building, the protesters demanded Slotkin co-sponsor a modest reform, House Resolution 2590, which would put conditions on U.S. aid to Israel.

Outside Slotkin’s office, several speakers took to a microphone, including Hannine Aqel, who spoke about the suffering of her cousins in Palestine. Next was Sam Burton, who spoke about the rapidly expanding solidarity of young American Jews with Palestine. The final speaker was Alex Sahouri, who expressed support for the armed Palestinian resistance and criticized Israel for air strikes in the densely populated Gaza strip.

After the speeches, protesters lined up along the road, chanting and soliciting support from passing cars. After an hour, they marched back to the Michigan Capitol Building.

The next “Free Palestine! From the River to the Sea!” rally is Sunday, June 13 at 4 p.m. in Grand Rapids at Veteran’s Park, near the intersection of Fulton Avenue and Division Street.