Now over two months in, Asma Barchalli’s protest continues to draw support and raise awareness about the crisis in Gaza
Amy Pavri / Janna Fontbona
On the 20th of March, Asma Barchalli made her way to the centre of Copenhagen’s main square to protest for Palestinian rights. Today, over 2 months later, she continues to campaign daily and has created a community for others to peacefully demonstrate their defiance against the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
“I wanted to open a community for the Palestinians in Copenhagen to come here, be here and talk to people” Barchalli explains. “Hundreds of thousands of people walk past here every day and I want to remind them that people are dying every single day and to bring awareness” she adds.
Despite living in Copenhagen for the past 18 years, Barchalli has suffered deep personal losses due to the war.
“Enough is enough. The last person we lost was 3 days ago. I have lost 44 people in the last year and a half. I am fighting for them.”
Despite her insistence on protesting peacefully, the activist has faced mounting challenges, including violence from bystanders.
Her courage has inspired others, including Danish citizen Lis Michaela Jørgesen, who joined Asma early in her protest: “I am afraid of the world I am leaving behind to my grandchildren.”
Asma Barchalli’s protest has become more than a personal act of resistance – it is now a visible, daily reminder in the heart of Copenhagen that the people of Gaza are not forgotten.