Fourth of July celebrations in America have been threatened by anti-Israel protesters who have planned demonstrations in several US cities.
As America marks Independence Day, two anti-Israel groups warned, “Philly, mark your calendars” in a post that called on fellow disruptors to join their “all out for Gaza” protests.
The Philly Palestine Coalition (PPC) and CodePink, which has promoted antisemitic conspiracies of Jewish power and control, seem to have organised the protests.
According to US site Algemeiner, PPC “has a history of backing the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas, calling for the destruction of Israel, and ridiculing victims of Hamas’ violence.” The group was allegedly behind the “Gaza Solidarity Encampments” at the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University.
CodePink has allegedly used social media to share misinformation about US foreign policy and has accused Israel of manipulating American elections.
The protesters will be demonstrating against Israel and the US.
In one post, groups said: “For the past 9 months, this country’s continued to support, fund, and oversee this ongoing genocide and warmongering all over the world,” – referring to the US government’s support for Israel.
“This July 4th, join us as we stand with the resistance and support Palestine, not AmeriKKKa!” the post went on, merging “America” with the Ku Klux Klan.
“We don’t celebrate the legacy of genocide, colonialism, and slavery that July 4th symbolizes but struggle for true liberation for all,” the post continued.
The protest in Philadelphia will take place in Rittenhouse Square, while the New York demonstration will be in Manhattan’s Union Square.
July 4 is a federal holiday across America, with government offices, schools, and the stock market remaining closed. This year marks 248 years since the Declaration of Independence in 1776 – the birth of the US as an independent nation.
Parades in big cities draw in crowds, making “lone wolf” terror attacks a risk.
Homeland Security officials have pointed to a growing threat from drones and violent extremists.
US authorities have warned that lone wolf violence is notoriously difficult to prevent. With the added security pressure from anti-Israel protests, US police and counter-terror officials will be on high alert.
