A picket demonstration was held at AZ Berman Promenade in Mitchell’s Plain on Friday afternoon with over 100 people participating. The demonstration was arranged by the Muslim Youth Movement (MYM) in aid of the oppressed in Gaza. The aim of the demonstration was to push the Muslim community to boycott Woolworths and other retailers that stock Israeli goods.

“The expectation is to create awareness and to inform the Muslim community and the general community of Mitchell’s Plain, that we are not happy that Pick ‘n Pay, one of the businesses that the Muslim community is supporting, is still stocking Israeli produced goods. Our aim is to highlight the plight of our oppressed brothers and sisters in Gaza,” says MYM organiser Achmat Isaacs.

The demonstration will mainly include youth.

Mitchell’s Plain’s population is approximately the size of the population of Gaza. It is predominately a Muslim community.

However, considering that Pick ‘n Pay stocks Israeli produced goods, it is one of the busiest retail chains in the area.

“We would like the people of Mitchell’s Plain, the Muslim community not to support Pick ‘n Pay,” says Isaacs.

He urges that there are other local businesses that the community can support.

Another picket will take place on Saturday morning from 10am to 13pm in front of the Promenade on AZ Berman Drive, Mitchells Plain. This has been announced in most of the mosques in Mitchell’s Plain.

“We urge our Muslim community to come and join to show their support. And do not support Pick ‘n Pay,” says Isaacs.

For further information please contact: Ammaarrah Arendse on 083 492 1220 or Achmat Isaacs on 082 830 9781. VOC (Nailah Cornelissen)