Tel Aviv, Israel: Israelis and Tibetans gathered for a peaceful demonstration, organized by the “Israeli Friends of the Tibetan People” on Monday, March 31 in front of the Chinese Embassy in Tel Aviv.
A few dozens of people, including Israelis and Tibetans, stood together in support of the Tibetan struggle. They held Tibetan flags, pictures of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and various signs calling for China to change its policies towards Tibet.
Many passersby expressed sympathy with the aims of the demonstration and several joined in. Three of the demonstrators attempted to present a large bouquet of white lilies to the Chinese Embassy, while carrying a picture of the Dalai Lama, and the Tibetan flag.
When the security guards prevented them from delivering them, the demonstrators laid the flowers, down on the sidewalk in front of the Embassy. Among the signs carried by demonstrators were those which stated, “Save Tibet”, “Stop the Killing in Tibet”, “Open a Dialogue with the Dalai Lama”, and “Human Rights for Tibet.”
Ran Natanzon, of the Israeli Friends of the Tibetan People, called on the Chinese government to open a dialogue to solve the question of Tibet in a peaceful way. He spoke to the media who were present about the importance of Israeli Jews taking a moral stance against the persecution of Tibetans in their own homeland. “It is especially important for us, as a people who have worked hard to preserve our culture in the face of persecution, to stand together with the Tibetan people.
When the demonstration was over several Tibetans remained for hours in a silent vigil in front of the embassy.
Report submitted by Ran Natanzon, Spokesperson of The Israeli Friends of Tibetan People
