Lidia Thorpe, an Australian politician and the first Aboriginal woman to be elected to the Victorian Parliament, delivered a powerful speech at a pro-Palestine rally in Melbourne.
The rally, which took place on Saturday, May 22, was attended by thousands of people who gathered to show their support for the Palestinian people amid the ongoing conflict in the region.
In her speech, Thorpe expressed her solidarity with the Palestinian people and condemned the violence and displacement they have been facing at the hands of the Israeli government.
She began by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which the rally was taking place and emphasized the importance of standing in solidarity with oppressed communities around the world.
Thorpe then went on to speak about her own experiences as an Indigenous woman and how it has shaped her understanding of the struggles faced by the Palestinian people.
She stated, “As an Aboriginal woman, I know what it’s like to have your land taken away from you, to have your culture and identity erased, and to be subjected to violence and oppression. And I see the same thing happening to the Palestinian people.”
Thorpe also criticized the Australian government for its lack of action and support for the Palestinian people, stating that “our government has blood on its hands for its complicity in the ongoing violence and displacement of the Palestinian people.”
She called for an end to the occupation of Palestinian land and for the recognition of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
Thorpe’s speech was met with loud cheers and applause from the crowd, who were moved by her powerful words and unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.
The rally also featured other speakers, including Palestinian activists and community leaders, who shared their personal stories and called for an end to the violence and injustice faced by the Palestinian people.
The event was organized by the Palestinian Community Association of Victoria and was one of many rallies and protests taking place around the world in support of Palestine.
As the conflict in the region continues to escalate, it is important for people to come together and show their support for the Palestinian people and their right to live in peace and dignity. Lidia Thorpe’s speech at the Melbourne rally serves as a reminder of the importance of standing in solidarity with oppressed communities and fighting for justice and equality for all.
