‘Let’s Remain Human:’ Italians March for Peace in Palestine

(GENOA, Italy) — Thousands marched in a pro-Palestinian torchlight procession through this northern Italian city on the evening of Sept. 27.  Waving Palestinian flags under the cry of ‘Let’s Remain Human.’  Music for Peace, an association of Genoa, organized the event.

Since the Oct. 7, 2023  attack on southern Israel by Hamas and Israel’s subsequent military operations in Gaza, Italy has been the site of numerous pro-Palestinian demonstrations, drawing thousands of people to marches and protests.

Italy is one of the most active countries in Europe for pro-Palestinian mobilization, with Genoa as one of its major hubs. At the end of August, the ships of the Global Sumud Flotilla set sail from the port of Genoa and other European cities carrying humanitarian aid. The flotilla included more than 40 ships with approximately 400 people on board, including four Italian parliamentarians. 

At 7 p.m., Genoese protesters gathered at Via Balleydier and marched toward the city center. A young child in her stroller held a small flag in her hand. A dog sported the Palestinian colors with fabric around its neck. Donning the Italian tricolor sash, Genoa Mayor Silvia Salis joined the procession alongside families, students, and elderly citizens.

Marchers hoisted posters saying, “Of all ethnicities, of every religion, all together for peace,” “Palestinians and Israelis, every child is my child,” and “Silence is kept when children are sleeping, not when they are being killed.”

One little girl carried a sign reading, “Definisci bambino” or “Define ‘Child,'” a reference to remarks by Eyal Mizrahi, president of the Friends of Israel Federation, who said these words in a televised debate in Italy, suggesting that he saw thousands of Palestinian children as possible soldiers, when asked about those being killed by Israeli bombs.

Amid the march, some protesters shared their ideas and their concerns about the situation with The Click.

 “It is difficult that tonight something will change, but to participate is a duty,” said Lorenzo, 21. “All conquests of the last centuries were possible because of people who gathered in the squares.”

Asked if she thinks the fighting will stop,  educator Anna Scabazzi’s eyes filled with tears: “I hope so; there are so many children, and we owe it to them.”

“What matters these days is to stand with the Palestinian people and with Gaza, thinking of a better humanity — not about taking sides, but as courageous builders of peace,” said Elisabetta Bianchi, who has been an activist for almost 40 years.

Around 9 p.m. on the night of the march, members of the Autonomous Collective of Dockworkers or CALP,  peeled away from the march and went to the Varco Etiopia at the Port of Genoa. There, they blocked the loading of a ship belonging to ZIM , an Israeli shipping company. Believing that the cargo bound for the ship included 10 containers of weapons, CALP members forced the ship to depart without its load.

The rest of the march continued to Piazza Matteotti in the city center where people chanted the slogan, “Palestina Libera! Free, Free Palestine!” their torches illuminating the dark  night.

Salis spoke to the crowd, “We are here to demand a safe and constant corridor. We cannot accept taking steps backwards. We are calling out loudly: Free Palestine.”

The crowd replied with an ovation: “Free Palestine!”

Salis continued: “We demand a Free Palestine and an end to genocide. We are not afraid to use this word — things must be called by their name. Protecting civilians, protecting children, is not a choice but an obligation. We are many, we are peaceful, and we want our voice to reach Gaza, peacefully. The spirit of this city makes itself heard. In this city, people resisted — and they still resist.”

After her speech, a telephone connection was established with Gaza.

The crowd remained silent while two people from the refugee camp in Khan Yunis started talking. Through an interpreter, the Palestinians said that everything had been destroyed, that many people had died. “Thank you, Genoa; keep supporting Gaza,” they implored.

With that, some of the protesters started crying.

Following the phone call, Igor Magni, secretary of the Italian General Work Confederation, spoke to the crowd: “We are all Palestinians tonight.”

On Oct. 1, the Global Sumud Flotilla was stopped by Israel, angering many Italians. In several cities, people took to the streets to protest against the government, accused of not having protected the flotilla, and another national strike took place on Oct. 3.

On Oct. 4, a nationwide protest took place in Rome.

Editor’s note: Quotes in this article were translated from Italian.