Rotterdam rallies for Palestine

Since I was just in Rotterdam a few weeks ago, it was neat to see this article in Haaretz (also here in the IHT) about a few thousand-strong rally that took place there today on the occasion of Holland's liberation from Nazi occupation.

Both our Prime Minister Ismail Haniya, and sports minister Bassem Naim were denied entry and thus could not attend. Instead, they addressed the rally via satellite connection, in true-Gaza parliament style. "You have a heavy responsibility to break the boycott and help your brothers in the occupied territories," said Haniya, adding that "This is the day a people got back its freedom, we are waiting for the day when out country will be freed." Atta Allah Hanna, Bishop of the Orthodox Church in Jerusalem, was also in attendence.

Keynote speaker former Dutch prime minister Dries Van Agt addressed the rally, criticizing Holland's "biased" pro-Israeli stance and boycott of the Hamas.

"The European and Dutch boycott of Hamas is wrong and even stupid," Van Agt said. "We automatically pardon the occupier and sanction the occupied nation." Well-said. Finally someone staying it like it is.