- Protesters in Center City Allentown on Sunday demanded an end to Israel's war in Gaza, calling it "genocide"
- A large crowd waving signs and Palestinian flags surrounded the Soldiers and Sailors Monument
- The protests were organized by the group Muslim Youth Lehigh Valley
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Activists in Allentown on Sunday held a “stop the genocide” rally against Israel’s ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, calling for an end to violence against civilians and, more broadly, to Israeli control of the Palestinian territories.
Protesters climbed the base of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Center City, waved flags and signs such as “free Palestine,” “End Gaza genocide” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”
The group, made of scores of people — many clad in the red, green and white of the Palestinian flag — chanted slogans denouncing the actions of Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
They also criticized American aid sent to Israel, and President Joe Biden for his support of the country.
A significant number of police, stationed in front of the PPL Center ahead of a scheduled Lehigh Valley Phantoms home game, looked on as fans in jerseys trickled past.
The protest, which ended with a march to the federal courthouse in Allentown, was organized by Muslim Youth Lehigh Valley.
The activist group has organized other pro-Palestinian protests in the city, including one earlier this month.
