GRETNA, La. — Nine days ago, a New Orleans teen was shot and killed in the occupied West Bank. Today, his community took to the streets in his honor.
Palestinian flags waving in the air, a memorial motorcade swept I-10 from the West Bank to Metairie.
Demonstrators are asking for one thing: justice for Tawfic Abdeljabbar. The 17-year-old from Gretna was living in Palestine temporarily with his family to learn about his culture. He was shot and killed there on Friday, January 20.
His family was told it was an Israeli settler, a police officer, or a soldier who pulled the trigger.
The motorcade ended at Omar Mosque, where friends and family said the government, both in Washington and at home, isn’t doing enough to invoke change.
“He’s a New Orleanian. He lived in Jefferson Parish. How could we not say a word about him,” One demonstrator said.
Tawfic’s cousin Muhammed said losing him was devastating, but seeing his community come together means everything to him.
“The New Orleans community has always shown up, especially for Palestine.” Tawfic’s cousin said. “We thank them. It is an honor.”
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