Costa Ricans Protest Gaza Massacre, Israeli Occupation

As many of you are likely well aware, Costa Rica has been reeling from a major earthquake that struck the province of Heredia last week. As of today, 23 have died, hundreds have been injured, and 13 are still missing. Yet despite suffering from a natural disaster, many Costa Ricans have come out to oppose the man-made disaster that has been inflicted on the people of Gaza over the past three weeks. There have been two protests against the massacre in Gaza in San Jose: a march last Friday, which began at the Israeli embassy and was attended by as many as one thousand people, and a smaller protest in front of the Casa Presidencial (office of the President) this past Tuesday. Although I was unable to see the march on Friday, I was fortunate enough to witness the protest on Tuesday.

The protest on Tuesday (and Friday) was organized by the Costa Rican Committee in Solidarity with the People of Palestine and was attended by members of various socialist groups, the federation of students of the University of Costa Rica, the Society of Friends (Quakers), and others. As the name of the committee suggests, the protest was called to express solidarity with the besieged people of Gaza. The demonstrators frequently chanted "America Latina apoya Palestina" (Latin America supports Palestine). Those who spoke at the protest also called for the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador from Costa Rica and sanctions against Israel at the United Nations Security Council (of which Costa Rica is currently a non-permanent member) unless Israel ends the military operation in Gaza, the blockade of Gaza, and the occupation of both Gaza and the West Bank. The demonstrators blocked off a small section of the street in front of the Casa Presidencial, held banners, distributed literature to passers by, and made their demands heard over a loud speaker. As has been the case in protests I've attended in the United States, there were nearly as many police as demonstrators (though to be clear, I witnessed and did not participate in this one). However, the police were quite laid back and entirely civil towards the peaceful protesters. There was not a single confrontation. Here are some photos of the event. I apologize for the low quality but I hope you get the picture:

"Long Live the Palestinian Resistance"- Party of Revolutionary Workers

"Stop the Genocide in Gaza" - Federation of Students of the University of Costa Rica

The loudspeaker

The Police, just hanging out

"We call for the end of relations with Israel"- Movement towards Socialism

Waving the Palestinian Flag

To say the least, it's been very encouraging to see such an outpouring of support for the people of Gaza in the United States, Costa Rica, and around the world. The contrast between the increasing level of awareness, solidarity, and plain decency of everyday people worldwide and the utter ruthlessness of the governments (with some exceptions) and corporations that rule over them could not be more stark. I just hope the protests keep on coming and eventually, Israel is compelled to end its genocide of the people of Gaza.