Rallies In London and Washington to Support Palestinians' Right to Return

Approximately 4,000 supporters of the Palestinian Right to Return marched to the White House Saturday while in London a similar event was taking place with a turnout estimated by organizers at 2,000.

Large rallies also occurred in Lebanon and Palestine. The Palestinian Right to Return Coalition (PRRC), a grassroots coalition sponsored by over sixty organizations and endorsed by thousands of individuals, arranged the demonstrations.

American Muslims for Jerusalem executive director Khalid Turaani said this was a very loud and clear delivery of a critical message- no return, no peace.

Turaani noted that the large turnout ensures that negotiators realize they have no mandate to deal away the legitimate and legal right of Palestinian refugees.

Turaani also explained that the wide media coverage generated by the event will educate many people about the ordeal Palestinian refugees have endured since Israel ejected them from their homes.

A press release issued by "Palestinian Right to Return Coalition" notes: "Palestinian refugees represent the largest refugee population in the world. Some 800,000 Palestinians were forced from their homes in 1948, and many more forcibly displaced by Israel since that time. Today there are about 5 million dispossessed Palestinians. The suffering of refugees is magnified by Israel's continued denial of their legal and legitimate right to repatriation and restitution."

Organizer Ali Abunimah said the Washington march was, "the largest gathering of Palestinians and their supporters that I have ever attended, and one of the most moving." From London, Arjan El Fassed reported, "this was one of the most passionate and emotional weekends of our lives realizing what individuals can do when their excellence is empowered."