1 year on: Pro-Palestinian group marches in SE Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Around the world, people gathered to mark the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack inside Israel that killed 1200 people and turned scores of people into hostages. That set off what Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden said was a mushrooming conflict in the Middle East, as Israel continues to attack inside Gaza and now in part of Lebanon.

In this past year, more than 41,000 people have been killed in Gaza.

Monday evening, about 80 people joined the 'PDX for Palestine' rally at Sewallcrest Park on SE 31st. Several people spoke before the group marched down Southeast Hawthorne. The overriding sentiment from those at the rally was to remind people about what is going on in the Middle East and to get the US government to stop funding Israel.

At the park, people held signs: "Free Palestine, Stop Genocide," "Stop Arming Israel," "Free Palestine" and "From the River to the Sea." Many speakers criticized the Israeli government for what they call a genocide.

One of the rally organizers, Holly Brown, told KOIN 6 News "a lot of people are really, you know, frustrated and angry and upset at our government right now."

Brown also said it was important to hold this rally because it's been a year since the war began "and to make sure that people know loud and clear that, you know, it's not just been a year, it's been 76 years of occupation, and that it must come to an end."

The rally-goers then marched down SE Howthorne Boulevard, blocking traffic at times and upsetting a few drivers.

The peaceful protest was exactly what PDX for Palestine organizers hoped for. When this rally ended, Brown said they will keep the pressure going.

"I think every time we get out on the streets for Palestine, we're making a difference," she said. "It's important to keep up the struggle, to keep up the pressure and to also show people that they're not alone."

And that's a message that resonates with many, including a man named Mutaz whose brother and family were displaced by the war.

"What do we do when we see Palestine still occupied? We stand up and fight back. We stand and fight for the justice and the truth," he said.

Other events

On Monday, Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden went to the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education to make remarks about the year since the attack and the latest developments in an increasingly tense Middle East.

Wyden said there is no question the conflict is mushrooming in the Middle East — and the US needs to help free the hostages.

On Sunday, the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland held an event as a time of remembrance and tribute to those who died that day. More than 100 people gathered at Congregation Neveh Shalom for the service.

Earlier Sunday, about 125 people gathered at Salmon Springs in downtown Portland for an event organized by Jewish Voice for Peace. 

“As an American Jew I can only feel I have some responsibility in the arming of Israeli military and the genocide that is happening. This is part of our atonement and our demand for a cease fire and for the US to stop funding the destruction of Gaza,” Kacey Brenner told KOIN 6 News.

The majority of those who attended the Sunday event agree with her position.