The day after Youssuf Akul Srour was killed in cold blood by a Border Guard sharpshooter during a demonstration against the Wall at Na’ilin village, 3000 protesters marched through the streets of Tel-Aviv to mark the 42nd anniversary of the Occupation.

“Democracy cannot be built / Over the bodies of demonstrators!” the protesters chanted in unison. Other slogans (which rhyme in Hebrew) were:

“Barak, Barak, Minister of Defense / How many protesters have you murdered until now?”

“Liberate Israel / Send Netanyahu to hell!”

“Remove the Racist / We don’t want Lieberman!”

Dozens of Gush Shalom flags – showing the flags of Israel and Palestine side by side on a white background – were carried along with the red flags of Hadash and the green flags of Meretz, as well as the posters of many organizations. The representatives of almost all peace movements could be seen among the marchers (except Peace Now, which did not participate).

This was the first big demonstration since the inauguration of the Netanyahu-Lieberman-Barak government, and it took place one day after the historic speech of President Barack Obama, which gave new hope to many who had already despaired.