BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – A crowd gathered outside Burlington’s City Hall Saturday for the 48th anniversary of Land Day.
The day commemorates March 30, 1976 when Israeli forces killed six Palestinians protesting Israeli occupation. It’s traditionally remembered with vigils and the planting of olive trees.
On Church Street, people waved Palestinian flags and posters as speakers called them to action. Ralliers say the day hits home even harder watching Palestinians struggle against deadly attacks.
“They’re still fighting to get that back or at least have some right of return,” Alexis Lathem of Richmond said.
Speakers also called on Vermonters and state leaders to support an apartheid-free ballot initiative.