Palestine solidarity: Jordanian protesters say ‘individual acts’ of vandalism fail to dampen power of unity

AMMAN — Protesters in Jordan said they are united in championing the Palestinian cause and voicing solidarity with Gaza, while simultaneously denouncing “individual acts” of vandalism and violence. They emphasised that these actions do not represent the purpose of their demonstrations.

Riots were reported by police in the Rabia neighbourhood, near the Israeli embassy, on Wednesday  night and several police officers were reportedly injured, Police Spokesperson Lt. Col. Amer Sartawi told The Jordan Times.

The riots were caused “by a group of people who left their designated area and attempted to reach the [Israeli] embassy from a side road using rocks and Molotov cocktails”, Sartawi said.

“Several properties were attacked and set ablaze. Unfortunately, some of our officers were injured in the process, and listed in good condition,” Sartawi said.

Many protesters have demonstrated unity in the aftermath of Wednesday’s demonstrations near the Israeli embassy in the Rabieh neighbourhood of Amman. Many offered a helping hand in cleaning the streets, distributing water to fellow protesters, and condemning any acts of vandalism or violence. 

“Amid the backdrop of social and political unrest, it is vital for Jordanians to stand united as responsible and conscientious citizens to advocate for change through peaceful demonstrations,” Hanan Shaheen, a protester, told The Jordan Times. 

Shaheen, who took her seven-year-old child with her to a sit-in said protesters have showcased their unity by cleaning streets, prioritising the safety of vehicles carrying children and the elderly and distributing water to fellow demonstrators. However, reports of “individual acts of violence and vandalism” marred Wednesday’s otherwise peaceful demonstrations.

“Peaceful protests effectively convey our concerns and desires while promoting unity and understanding within our communities,” Oraib Khatib, a protester, told The Jordan Times. 

Khatib added that by “standing together in a non-violent and respectful manner, as we did last night, we can make our voices heard, inspire positive change, and contribute to a more harmonious and just society”. 

Amani Buhairi, who participated in a sit-in on Wednesday, told The Jordan Times that “what happened yesterday was disheartening, and it certainly doesn’t represent the values we hold dear”.

“We came to express our solidarity with the Palestinian cause peacefully, to send a strong message of support, acts of violence only distract from our true intentions,” Buhairi added. 

Khaled Salameh, another protester, said that he joined the demonstration to show his children “the power of unity and peaceful expression”. 

“It’s heartbreaking to see the headlines about vandalism, because that was not the case last night, everything was well orgaised and professional,”  Salameh told The Jordan Times.

Salameh added that Jordanians want to stand together for a just and peaceful world. “Violence has no place in our message, which is far more effective when it’s conveyed peacefully,” he added.

“Protesters, alongside PSD officials, stood united, demonstrating peaceful unity in their quest for justice and a peaceful world,” Dana Shakir, a Jordanian who participated in solidarity sit-ins, told The Jordan Times. 

Shakir added that watching PSD officials alongside Jordanians performing Maghreb (sunset) prayer is heartwarming. “PSD officials are our brothers, cousins and relatives,” she said.

“We unequivocally denounce violence as a distraction from our core message,” Shakir added.