By Askin Kiyagan
VIENNA (AA) - The Free Palestine Congress kicked off Saturday in Vienna, overcoming attempts by authorities to block the event.
The Congress faced opposition from political actors, including Austria's Jewish community, which pressured police to ban the event.
Organizers successfully moved the conference after the municipal venue was canceled at the last minute.
Wilhelm Lagthaler, one of the organizers, described the cancelation as "Viennese-style obstructionism," but noted that contingency plans allowed the Congress to go ahead.
Hanin Zuabi, a former member of the Israeli parliament, and Azzam Tamimi, a Palestinian-British journalist, were among the notable speakers.
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Tamimi highlighted the changing global perception of Palestinian resistance after Oct. 7, 2023, calling it a "struggle for freedom and dignity against Zionist ideology" rather than a territorial dispute.
Explaining that rulers in Western countries are afraid that young people will see the ‘truth’ about Palestinian resistance, Tamimi said: "They are afraid that when their children take office in 10 years, they will see the world differently. Their children will be on the side of justice and Palestine."
Zuabi emphasized that Israel's actions target all Palestinians, not just the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas, and noted that Israel views their existence as a threat.
Despite the challenges, organizers reported a strong turnout, signaling continued international interest in the Palestinian cause.
*Writing by Yasin Gungor