Mokhtar Bdeir

Date: October 8, 2023

Organizers: Philly Palestine Coalition (PPC), Temple SJP: a chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP)

Location: Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA

On October 8, 2023, the day after Hamas terrorists murdered nearly 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped hundreds more, anti-Israel groups in Philadelphia held an “Emergency Solidarity Rally.” Chants during the march to the rally featured various calls for Israel’s destruction and celebrations of Hamas terrorism by using the euphemism “resistance.”

At the rally, activist Romance Albarqawi said during her speech: “What we saw yesterday morning was decolonization taking place!” The crowd cheered in response to this line as well as after another line when she said: “The resistance is justified!” Workers World Party activist Michael Wilson later said: “I think that we should all give an applaud right now to Hamas for a job well done!” The crowd again cheered in response.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas murdered approximately 1,200 Israelis, kidnapped hundreds and wounded thousands. War crimes included mass rape and torture. Many Palestinian civilians participated in and supported the attacks, and Gazans working in the targeted Israeli communities gave intelligence to Hamas on where to strike.

For more information, see the Canary Mission page on Hamas.

Date: October 21, 2023

Organizers: Philly Palestine Coalition (PPC), Temple SJP: a chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP)

Location: City Hall, Philadelphia, PA

Event Flyer: Instagram

On October 21, 2023, protesters held a pro-Hamas rally in central Philadelphia where activists praised Hamas leaders like Abu Obeida. During the march to the rally, activists repeatedly chanted in support of Israel’s destruction and called for “Intifada” – a show of support for terrorism. Chants in Arabic were more explicit, as they incited religious violence and proclaimed: “ash-shahid habib Allah [the martyr is beloved by God]!”

One such pro-terror chant also demanding Israel’s destruction was: “There is only one solution! Intifada revolution! There is only one solution! Intifada revolution! Intifada, Intifada! Long live the Intifada! Intifada, Intifada! Long live the Intifada! From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free! From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free!”