The Peoria Coalition for Palestine was part of the St. Patrick’s day parade, and members of the local CPUSA club marched with them. As the coalition marched in front of thousands of people in downtown Peoria, its members had two main objectives.
First, the coalition aimed to raise awareness of the close relationship beween Ireland and Palestine and their shared fight against colonialism.
Second, they wanted to raise awareness of the struggle for a local ceasefire resolution. Attached to the candy they handed out were QR codes directing onlookers to a petition urging their local elected officials to advocate for a ceasefire.
“Of course, there were a few along the route that did not approve of our message,” Peoria CPUSA members reported, “but their hate was drowned out by the solidarity of those who want peace. From the onlookers, we heard chants of ‘Free Palestine!’ and saw those who put two fingers up, representing peace.”
This weekend, Peoria Coalition for Palestine rallied for a ceasefire in Gaza. Thanks to all the hard work and dedication put forward by Peoria for Palestine and all those involved in fighting the good fight for a Free and liberated Palestine. pic.twitter.com/vJRaO64gDe
— Peoria CPUSA (@peoriacpusa) March 12, 2024
Images: St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2024 in Peoria, Illinois by Peoria for Palestine (Instagram), Ceasefire activists at the St. Patrick’s day parade in Peoria by Peoria CPUSA