A rally in support of Palestinians started at Vancouver City Hall and made its way through parts of the city on Thursday night.
The rally was organized by the Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network alongside the Palestinian Youth Movement, and the groups specifically wanted to take a stand against Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim.
The group says Sim and other city officials have been outwardly supporting the Jewish community. This comes after Sim drew attention for attending the “We Stand With Israel” rally in Vancouver flanked by provincial MLAs and federal MPs.
Organizers say they’re demanding the end of the genocide and standing with Gaza as well. Israel’s defense minister promised a ground invasion of Gaza on Thursday, telling Palestinians living in the area to take refuge as the Israel-Hamas war continues.
The Vancouver Police Department says the demonstration closed off traffic on West 12th Avenue between Cambie and Main streets for parts of the evening.
Police say the rally saw demonstrators disrupt traffic in the area of 10th Avenue and Yukon Street as well as the Cambie Street Bridge.
The group has another rally scheduled for Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Vancouver Art Gallery, this time calling it a “mass march and rally for Palestinian liberation.”