NEW DELHI: With Israel-Gaza conflict claiming nearly 1,400 Palestinians lives, theatre personalities, activists and musicians today organised a cultural protest against Israel and in the solidarity with the Palestinian people.
The celebrities sung songs with "anti-war" lyrics and recited "pro-peace poems" at an event in the backdrop of pictures of the violence intertwined in barbed wires and keffiyehs (scarfs worn by Palestinian men and a symbol of Palestinian nationalism during the Arab Revolt of the 1930s) hung from above as a mark of protest.
Veteran actor Sharmila Tagore recited poems on the occasion and "personally supported the cause."
Other dignitaries like theatre personality Sanjana Kapoor, celebrated photographer Ram Rahman, 'Indian Ocean' musician Rahul Ram, and political commentator Aijaz Ahmad also staged protest and stood for the cause.
"John Kerry is in Delhi today. Indian people have always stood with the Palestinians in their struggle against Israeli aggression. They must ensure that the new Indian government carries on this tradition of support for, and solidarity with the Palestinian struggle," said Rahman.
"Israel will not accept any international demands upon it as enjoys the backing of the United States. President Obama has not uttered a single word of censure against Israel" he added.
'Indian Ocean' member Rahul Ram played protest music to condemn the attacks and concern for the civilians trapped in the conflict zone.
Historian Sohail Hashmi recited few ghazals on the ongoing war against the Palestinians.