CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The war in Gaza rages on. The data shows an estimated 80% of the population of the Gaza Strip has been displaced. Thousands of Palestinian and Israeli citizens have been killed in the three months since Oct. 7, 2023. That news has weighed heavy on Charlotteans with roots in the region.
The sound of rain falling in uptown Charlotte was overshadowed by the chants of support echoing between the skyscrapers Saturday afternoon. Over 400 people gathered at Romare Bearden Park and protested, showing solidarity with those in the Gaza Strip. They reflected on the lives lost during the conflict.
Dana Alhasan is one of the rally organizers and said it's been emotionally draining. She's a Palestinian-American with close ties to those overseas.
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"The conditions in Palestine are absolutely dire," Alhasan said. "I feel panic, anxiety, and grief. I have a lot of family friends who are in Gaza. One of my friends' 10 family members died from an Israeli air strike that hit a church in Gaza."
Claire Avelallemant said she has no connection to those overseas. but wanted to show her support.
“I feel compelled to be," Avelallemant said. "All of our tax dollars are going to support one side.”
This weekend, the Pentagon reported the Biden Administration used emergency authorization and allowed the sale of about 14,000 tank shells to Israel. The rounds were worth a little over $100 million.
"What we hope is to end the bombing of Gaza and blockade of Gaza.” Alhasan said.
Once the speeches wrapped up, the supporters marched through the streets of Uptown Charlotte. Over a dozen Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers were present to divert traffic for their safety.
Contact Austin Walker at awalker@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.