[LIVE] Gaza, don’t you cry: Freedom for Palestine rally sees 10,000 participants

KUALA LUMPUR – Despite the initial gloomy weather here this morning, thousands of people were in high spirits as they started to gather at Dataran Merdeka to join the Freedom for Palestine rally organised by Viva Palestina Malaysia (VPM) and Humanitarian Care Malaysia (MyCARE).

The event was scheduled to start at 10.30am but at about 10.15am, around 1,000 individuals were already present to show their unwavering support for Palestine.

Supporters are seen to be displaying their solidarity by dressing in Palestinian colours – red, white, green and black – and wearing keffiyeh scarves while proudly waving the state’s flag.

Meanwhile, another crowd, in similar get-up, has congregated on another side of Dataran Merdeka, chanting “Free Palestine” and “takbir”.

At about 10.40am, as the overcast subsides, the crowd reportedly swelled up to 2,000 people including women and children, as well as a group of 100 superbikers who lined up in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building.

Organisers have stressed that the gathering is a peaceful one and situation at the moment seems to be under control.

According to a security staff, 50 to 60 police officers are on standby to ensure peace remains throughout the rally.

He also added that former Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar is scheduled to give a speech at 12.25pm today. Meanwhile, dozens of police are seen to be on-guard near the stage area.

On donations and contributions, VPM chairman Datuk Dr Musa Mohd Nordin previously warned that the organisers will not be raising funds during today’s rally.

“Security will ensure that this (fundraising) will not happen at the rally.”

The event goes on with participants raising placards stating solidarity for Palestinian freedom while some are condemning the Israeli regime, and several displaying personal touches of creativity and homemade charm.

Meanwhile, traffic is reported to be congested along the roads to Dataran Merdeka. It is understood that only Jalan Raja is closed.

The police told Scoop that the road will be reopened soon, urging participants to stay away from the traffic. Instead, they are encouraged to gather at the field.

Despite traffic congestions, as of 11.20am, the crowd at Dataran Merdeka has surpassed 10,000 people with a steady inflow of participants from the Masjid Jamek LRT station.

Two participants, Irdina Huda and Adam Izzat, shared with Scoop that they have never participated in a rally before but wanted to join the Freedom for Palestine gathering today.

“Our support for the Palestinians comes from our hearts.”

A performer took to the stage to lead the crowd to chant: “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!” and “Gaza Gaza, don’t you cry, Palestine will never die!”

Participants passionately joined, chanting in unison accompanied by drum beats.

A performer took to the stage during the Freedom for Palestine rally in KL to lead the crowd to chant: “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!” and “Gaza Gaza, don’t you cry, Palestine will never die!” pic.twitter.com/2H15nILyJE

— Scoop (@Scoopdotmy) October 22, 2023

The buzz continues as Nurul Izzah makes her anticipated appearance at about 12.25pm to give a speech on the stage at Dataran Merdeka, calling for freedom for the occupied state and urging all international “peace-loving” nations to band together against Israel.

Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil was also spotted showing his support at the event.

Besides prominent political figures, social media influencer and entrepreneur Ceddy also makes an appearance, calling for the public to do their own research on the issue and to not be dependent on Western media narratives.

Kavita Sidhu, former Malaysian beauty queen and actress, meanwhile delivered a strong speech calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Influencer Ceddy (@CeddyOrNot) was spotted at the Freedom for Palestine rally today.

He has urged everyone to educate themselves about the Israel-Palestine war and not just watch news put out by the western media. pic.twitter.com/T6inEprKS3

— Scoop (@Scoopdotmy) October 22, 2023

Former beauty queen Kavita Sidhu (@officialkavita) calls for a ceasefire in Gaza in her speech at the Freedom for Palestine rally. pic.twitter.com/FBzXsjUIuT

— Scoop (@Scoopdotmy) October 22, 2023

As the Freedom for Palestine rally came to an end at about 2pm and participants sang We Will Not Go Down by American-Syrian singer Michael Heart as they left the area.

Previously, the rally’s committee member, Siti Jamilah Sheikh Abdullah said the gathering is expected to be attended by about 30,000 people from various religious backgrounds.

She also added that besides Nurul Izzah, other speakers such as church elder Goh Keat Peng, influencer Kavita Sidhu, and human rights activist Tan Zee Kin will make appearances as guests of honour. – October 22, 2023