We were marching for peace and a ceasfire

From the The Argus, first published Friday 1st Sep 2006.

I was present on both the recent peace marches which started from Palmeira Square, on July 30 and August 19.

I must refute Chief Superintendent Kevin Moore's assumption that Palmeira Square was chosen as a meeting place to start the march in order to provoke and incite the Jewish population (Letters, August 26) .

In the years I have been involved in the peace movement in Brighton and Hove, I have taken part in many demonstrations which started from Palmeira Square.

The square is an open public space and has plenty of room for people to gather. I simply do not believe Sussex Action for Peace had any other reason for starting the march there.

I regret the police had no advance warning of the marches. Past organisers have complied so I assumed this was the case this time, too.

If we are to retain our right to protest peacefully, demonstrators and police have to co-operate.

However, I do not recognise the description of the march on July 30.

It is true some people walked on the A259, as it has been acceptable in past marches. This was, however, for a short time and, when people realised they were being directed to the pavement, most moved.

The march was peaceful and goodhumoured, with most people marching in silence, which I prefer.

Any slogans shouted had to do with the call for an immediate ceasefire, which was the aim of the march.

I was concerned, therefore, to learn a Jewish man was assaulted.

I intend to find out more, since I have heard differing versions of events.

I wonder if an arrest was made?

As for the march on August 19, I was concerned enough at the overpolicing to write to the Chief Constable to ask for an explanation, as well as an estimate of the costs.

I was concerned at the number of cameras and the intrusive way they were pointed at people's faces.

However, the main point of this letter is to refute the implication these marches were anti-Semitic.

Not only is it untrue but is, in itself, likely to provoke tensions.

I know some Jewish people who took part in both marches. There might have been more but I don't know, because it is entirely irrelevant - there were also young, old, men, women and people from various ethnic backgrounds.

We must do what we can to ensure all the communities of Brighton and Hove live together peacefully.

Implications of anti-Semitism in those protesting against a situation where nation states are bombing each other is not at all helpful.

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