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November 21, 2023 | Dulce Koopman
Curacao held its first demonstration against Israel’s attack on the Palestinian territories. On Wednesday evening, about 50 people demonstrated at Wilhelmina Square. Another demonstration was organized on Saturday evening.
The group “honors all the lives lost in Palestine.” “It’s cruel and unnecessary,” said Tony Espinera of the group. Prayers were said in Arabic during demonstrations on Wednesday and Saturday. There were several Palestinian flags and signs reading “Free Palestine.”
“Stop attacking!”
The Curacaoans who attended the event came from a variety of backgrounds, including Christians, Jews, Muslims, and some who would not necessarily call themselves religious.
“Our wishes are simple,” Espineira said. “We want a ceasefire; an end to the attacks. We want Palestinian freedom, for everyone to live in peace with their neighbors. They can enjoy all the rights that we have as Curacaoans.”
“Eventually there were demonstrations in Curaçao as well”
Talitha Marsman, one of the protesters, has been back on the island since August. “There have been several demonstrations in the Netherlands, and now finally here in Curaçao.”
“While I am somewhat saddened by what is happening in Palestine, I am also encouraged by the people who come here. They do not approve of what is happening there, and we should not be silent about it.”
Rhoda Barton also attended the demonstration. Her partner is Lebanese, from Israel’s neighboring country. “In Curacao, there are a lot of people from Lebanese backgrounds, as well as people from Palestinian and Arab backgrounds.”
“These people tend to prefer to keep a low profile,” Barton said. She believes it is her duty to support others. “It’s hard to see what’s going on there because in Curaçao we get along with each other; we have people of all nationalities here.”
Barton wanted to send a signal against “injustice”. “They are our brothers and sisters. Palestinians are human beings too. It doesn’t feel good that we can laugh here while people are suffering so much on the other side of the world.”
More Demos
Talitta Masman hopes the two demonstrations “are a start”. “I am happy to see that our society, including my loved ones, are now aware of what is happening in Palestine,” Espinera said. “Before, it was difficult to see these things through the media. Now, thanks to social media, we know about these things.”
“The Curacao government must speak up”
The Kingdom of the Netherlands has only one foreign minister, who speaks for the Netherlands and the six islands in The Hague. According to several demonstrators, it is time for the Curacao government to make a statement.
“Our team will make a request to the government,” Espineira said. “It would be great if the government of Curacao could come out and say we don’t agree with what is being done. I hope they will ask our sister islands to stand with the Netherlands and let’s say: stop this now.”
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