At least 1,000 protesters march on Jaffa's main street, wave Palestinian flags. 'Just as is happening in Arab world, one day Israeli-Arab population will explode, go out on streets and protest against government,' says Jaffa resident
Hassan Shaalan
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At least 1,000 people on Saturday attended a procession held at the coastal city of Jaffa ahead of "Nakba Day" – the Palestinian day of mourning over the inception of the State of Israel.
Protesters waved Palestinian flags and signs reading: "We have the right of return", "we will not leave Jaffa" and "From Jaffa to Beirut – one people will not perish." The crowd chanted slogans against the Israeli government, calling it "a terror government."
'We want our right of return.' Protesters in Jaffa (Photo: Yaron Brener)
'Continue the struggle even if it costs us our lives.' (Photo: Yaron Brener)
The procession was organized by members of youth movements in Jaffa and Lod. Arab Members of Knesset did not attend the protest, although it is considered one of the main events ahead of "Nakba Day."
"I regret that no Arab MKs participated in the protest. It is irresponsible and makes the Arab residents lose their trust in them," said a protester.
Shortly prior to the procession, a group of protesters arrived to the Tel-Aviv promenade and got off the bus while waving Palestinian flags, prompting passersby to spit on them while calling out slurs. The Arab protesters responded with more slurs and returned to the bus.
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