Peaceful demonstrations on the Middle East conflict in Zurich
Published: Thursday, Nov 2nd 2023, 20:10
Updated At: Friday, Nov 3rd 2023, 00:54
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At the same time, two rallies on the Middle East conflict took place in Zurich on Thursday. On Münsterhof, political celebrities spoke out against anti-Semitism. On Bürkliplatz, the Group for a Switzerland without an Army (GSoA) called for peace.
According to the organizers, about 1000 people gathered in the Münsterhof. They stretched out yellow and black umbrellas as symbolic protection. Some Israel flags were also visible. Names of Hamas victims and hostages were read out.
Center President Gerhard Pfister called on democratic societies to take a stronger stand against anti-Semitism. Daniel Jositsch (SP), a member of the Council of States in Zurich, said that in view of the terrorist attack against Israel and the creeping anti-Semitism in Europe, everyone must show their colors.
Against relativization of Hamas terror
SVP National Councilor Alfred Heer demanded: "To effectively protect our Jewish fellow citizens is a civic duty for all of us". Michel Müller, president of the church council of the Reformed Church of Zurich, also spoke as a representative of a national church. Christian churches had made a significant contribution to anti-Semitism, which is why they have a responsibility to prevent it today, he said.
The rally was calm. About a dozen speakers condemned anti-Semitism and any relativization of Hamas terror.
The victims on both sides remembered
At the same time, the GSoA and the Jewish Voice for Democracy and Justice in Israel/Palestine had called for a peace demonstration, just 500 meters away, on Bürkliplatz. According to the organizers, about 1000 people gathered here. Only "Peace" flags were explicitly allowed. It remained quiet. Instead of shouting slogans, the demonstrators lit candles.
The speeches called for an immediate halt to the war and the release of the hostages. With a minute of silence, the participants commemorated the victims on both sides.
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