WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — Tonight, on perhaps the busiest shopping day of the year, protestors gathered outside the Tampa Premium Outlets in Pasco County calling for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas.
What You Need To Know
- Pro Palestine demonstrators held ‘Shut It Down for Palestine’ signs outside Tampa Premium Outlets
- Organizers say they are marching for a permanent ceasefire and boycotts on businesses
- The rally comes after 24 hostages were released earlier today by Hamas in Israel
Organizers made the announcement on social media earlier today, calling for the rally dubbed “Shut It Down for Palestine.”
At a busy intersection outside the Tampa Premium Outlets, dozens of people marched calling for a cease-fire and boycotts on businesses. This comes just hours after 24 hostages were released by Hamas in Israel.
“We believe that our tax dollars are funding genocide in Palestine,” says Aida Mackic, community organizer. “We work, we’re hard-working American citizens and, as you know, today is Black Friday. We’re calling for boycotts on Black Friday.”
Aida Mackic is one of those marching.
“We’re here demanding for a permanent cease-fire, demanding that our tax dollars are not used to murder and slaughter children on our watch.”
Many carried flags, others carrying signs with their own message for passerby often getting a honk in support.
“This is not a religious war- this is a war of humanity,” said Mackic. “As you can tell, it’s a very diverse crowd, non-Muslims, Muslims alike and just humans joining a cause that we believe in and wanting to stop this mass genocide that is happening on our watch.”
But it’s those with legislative authority, Mackic says, they are trying to get the attention of.
“Why haven’t they done more?” asked Mackic. “Why haven’t they called for an immediate ceasefire? Why hasn’t a diplomatic approach been taken? Why are we going in and assisting in this mass murder?”
The war is something they say they will continue questioning.
“Every single human should be waking up, every single one,” says Mackic. “No matter your religion, no matter your background, this is a human issue.”
Until their message can be heard. Organizers say they plan to hold a vigil tomorrow night in Tampa as well.
