Dozens march in solidarity walk for Palestine Land Day through downtown San Diego
The event coincided with Eid al-Fitr, a three-day holiday marking the end of Ramadan.
Written by Lauren J. Mapp, Edited by Kate Morrissey
Dozens of community members chanted “Free Palestine” in downtown San Diego on Sunday morning to commemorate Palestinian Land Day and honor the end of Ramadan.
Nearly 20 organizations collaborated for the event in Convention Center Park, including the Islamic Center of San Diego, Palestine Pals of San Diego, Code Pink, CAIR San Diego and Karama.
Event organizers emphasized how Palestinians have been killed and displaced in the year and half since the Hamas attack on Israelis on Oct. 7, 2023. They also shared actions San Diegans can take to raise awareness of the continued genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, such as reaching out to state and federal representatives, attending local events, walking in marches and making donations to community organizations.
The event culminated in a solidarity walk from the park to Seaport Village, during which the group sang chants, waved flags and held signs.
Palestinian Land Day dates back to March 30, 1976, when Israeli forces killed six unarmed Palestinians during protests against the confiscation of Palestinian land. Community members said the annual event commemorates the ongoing loss of land to Israel.
“No one should be forced to leave their home, and that's the most important part about it,” said Aisha Noor, an event organizer. “Whether they're overseas or here, no one should be forced off of their land and their home, because that's where history is at, that's where generations grow up.”
This year’s Land Day coincided with the beginning of Eid al-Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast. The three-day holiday marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community.
CAIR San Diego Executive Director Tazheen Nizam called for an end to the genocide in Gaza and stressed the need for Muslim communities and their allies around the world to support one another.
“Palestine is not alone in this erasure,” Nizam said. “We see Muslims across the world being erased, denied and dehumanized. In Sudan, Kashmir, Yemen, the Muslim community is bleeding and the world remains indifferent.”
Many children attended the event and marched in the solidarity walk along the San Diego Bay.
Huda, who is Palestinian and requested her last name be omitted over safety concerns, said she has been keeping her kids informed about what is going on in a way that is age-appropriate.
“You have to use the right words to not scare them,” she said through tears.
As Huda’s 5-year-old son walked along with his parents and younger brother, he held a sign he made that said, “Palestine will be free,” surrounded by hand drawn images of the Palestinian flag.
“I have family in Palestine," Huda said. "These kids are half Palestinian, my two right here. (I'm raising them) to be a voice for the people that don't have a voice out there.”
Anna Heaslet, who attended the event with her 8-year-old son Fox McKee, said that prior to Sunday’s event, he had been begging to participate in protests in support of Palestine.
“Our young ones are definitely the future,” Heaslet said.
San Diegans supporting Palestinian sovereignty are holding several events to raise awareness and funds in the coming weeks.
Recurring
Peace Vigil for Palestine: Code Pink and Palestine Pals co-host a weekly Peace Vigil for Palestine at the corner of Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and West Point Loma Boulevard in Ocean Beach. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturdays
April 5
Albi Falastine: Palestine Pals of San Diego is hosting Albi Falastine at the Centro Cultural de la Raza in Balboa Park. The event will include art, music, a meze-style dinner and dabke, a Levantine folk dance in which dancers hold hands while stomping to a rhythm.
Presale tickets cost $30 for adults and $15 for children under 10, or $35 and $20 at the door, and all proceeds will be donated to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. 4 to 7 p.m. 2004 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
April 27
Lawn Festival: The House of Palestine at Balboa Park will host “A Celebration of Life” festival to share the community’s culture at the House of Pacific Relations Hall of Nations. The event will include a Zaytouna Dabke performance, Palestinian vendors and traditional foods like falafel sandwiches, knafeh and specialty coffee.
More information is available by emailing info@houseofpalestine.org. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 2191 Pan American W Rd, San Diego, CA 92101
