Indymedia York

Once again, when it comes to responding to an international crises, the people of York have certainly responded with determination to make themselves heard. Two marches in the city (one on 19th August - Report and pictures), a bus to London and a small action to promote the ongoing international Boycott Israeli Goods Campaign were the visible signs of action, but by all accounts, the local MP's mailbox has been pretty full lately, as well.

Within days of the first Israeli bombs landing in Lebanon, beginning 34 continuous days of destruction, York held its first action (22nd July): an open microphone rally. Called at just a few days notice, and with the police warned to expect just 20 people, nearly 200 people assembled in St Sampsons Square for our first protest. Many people took the microphone, and the event drew the attention of several commercial media outlets. An impromptu march passed along Parliament Street and Coppergate to Friend's Meeting House.

On the afternoon of Sunday 30th July, campaigners received word that an Emergency National Demonstration had been called for the next Saturday (5th). A bus was booked, and the last of 49 tickets sold at 4:15pm on the Thursday, 4 days later. Even with many key activists in London protesting, the York PSC stall is reported to have been exceptionally well received.

A small number of activists took part in an action to raise the profile of the Boycott Israeli Goods campaign on Saturday 12th August. Leaflets were placed among products throughout the store, and shopping trolleys filled with sample goods like Israeli-grown Fresh Food, and products from Danone and Carmel.

This Saturday (19th August, 2pm), protesters will return to York's streets again for a march starting and ending outside the Minster. The event will go ahead despite the ceasefire, because the Israeli Defence Force remains on Lebanese soil, and because once again, Palestine has been left off the agenda.

If the conflict continues, no doubt more actions will be planned.