The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine praises the proposal of the Johannesburg Municipality in South Africa to rename ‘Sandton Street,’ where the American consulate is located, to ‘Leila Khaled Street,’ in appreciation of the role of the Palestinian fighter and her symbolism in the course of the Palestinian struggle against occupation.
The Front considers this symbolic step to reflect an increasing global support for the cause of the Palestinian people, and it is part of efforts to strengthen international solidarity with the right of Palestinians to liberate themselves from occupation.
The Front affirms that this proposal expresses the spirit of struggle that connects oppressed peoples, especially in South Africa, which had an inspiring experience in the struggle against racial discrimination. This step also represents a new affirmation of the important and pressing role that South Africa plays in condemning the crimes of zionist genocide and supporting the legitimacy of our people’s struggle.
The Front also sees this step as a tribute to the struggle of Arab and Palestinian women, and the significant sacrifices they have made for the liberation of Palestine and the dignity and freedom of their people. This makes naming the street after Leila Khaled a symbol of those sacrifices and of women’s contributions to the liberation movement.
The Front calls for confronting the pressures of the zionist federation in South Africa, which rejects the step of naming the street on the grounds that ‘it ignores Johannesburg’s 2017 policy on street naming.
The Front also condemns the repeated attempts by this federation and zionist movements in South Africa to distort the image of the fighter Leila Khaled and to attempt to link her struggle to ‘terrorism,’ emphasizing that history will always bear witness that liberation movements, such as the Popular Front, have always been and will remain at the forefront of resistance to occupation.
The Front emphasizes the importance of continuing public pressure on the relevant authorities in South Africa to accomplish this symbolic step, and calls on everyone to participate in the public comment period that lasts until October 18.
Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine
Central Media Department
September 27, 2024