The largest Palestine event in Europe went ahead the past weekend despite a smear campaign and attempts by pro-Israel groups to have it cancelled. Organized by the UK non-profit organization Friends of Al-Aqsa Palestine Expo spanned two days and was held over five floors in the Queen Elizabeth II Center in Westminster overlooking the Houses of Parliament on 8-9 July.
With a host of renowned speakers including academics and activists a souq and a number of interactive zones showcasing various art exhibitions and cultural programs the event attracted more than 15000 visitors. One stall was a mock UN tent standing as a reminder of the plight of Palestinian refugees.
The timing of the event comes as Palestinians mark 100 years since the Balfour Declaration 50 years since the occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip and 10 years since the siege on Gaza.
“It is the combination of these tragic episodes for the Palestinians that we are marking. This is the time to unite and be a part of the movement to end their suffering” a statement on the event’s website reads.
Until last week it was unclear whether the event would go ahead as the UK Government considered complaints by pro-Israel groups. Officials eventually gave the organizers the green light following threats of legal action.
-The article was published in the Middle East Monitor.
