At the "Stop the Genocide!" protest held at Dam Square in Amsterdam on August 17, 2024, DiEM25 spokesperson Lucille Cornelius delivered a powerful speech. She emphasized the need of a solution to ongoing global injustices, particularly the 76-year occupation of Palestine. With passion and determination, Cornelius encouraged the audience to raise their voices for change and resist oppression.

The Power of Language

Lucille Cornelius began her speech by highlighting the importance of language in sparking revolution. She stressed that before every great revolution, there is a shift in language. By speaking the language of revolution, people can unite in their love for change and challenge the status quo. Cornelius, as the national spokesperson for DiEM25 in the Netherlands, affirmed the movement's commitment to ending the genocide in Palestine.

A Message from South Africa

Cornelius drew parallels between her own experiences growing up in apartheid-era South Africa and the current struggle of the Palestinian people. She spoke of the deep emotional and economic scars left by apartheid, comparing the image of a South African boy facing a tank with a stone in hand to the Palestinian resistance. Cornelius expressed pride in her nation’s history of standing up to colonial powers and emphasized the importance of continuing the fight for humanity.

Silence is Violence

In her speech, Cornelius called on those who remain silent in the face of genocide to recognize their complicity. She passionately chanted "Silence is violence!" and shamed those who do not speak out against the atrocities being committed. Cornelius reminded the audience of the global nature of the struggle, noting that the same oppressive forces that colonized Palestine are responsible for injustices around the world, including poor healthcare and taxation that funds violence.

The Power of Unity

Cornelius emphasized the power of unity among people of all nations, creeds, and backgrounds in toppling oppressive systems. She noted that the oppressors did not expect such solidarity, especially among Muslims, Jews, and Christians. Cornelius called on the Dutch government, the European Union, the USA, and their allies to recognize that the rise of the people is inevitable. She encouraged the crowd to persist in their resistance, promising that the more they are pushed, the more they will resist.

A Call to Action: Free Palestine

Concluding her speech, Cornelius invoked the legacy of Nelson Mandela, asserting that true freedom cannot be achieved until Palestine is free. She led the crowd in a South African resistance chant, "Amandla Awetu," symbolizing the power of the people. The speech ended with a fervent call to continue the fight until Palestine is liberated, chanting "Free Palestine!" and affirming the belief that Palestine will live forever.

Conclusion: The Fight Continues

Lucille Cornelius's speech at Dam Square was a passionate plea for continued resistance against global oppression. She urged the audience to unite, speak out, and fight for the freedom of Palestine, drawing on the strength and solidarity of revolutionary movements across history. A rallying cry echoed throughout the square, reinforcing the resolve of those gathered to continue their struggle for justice.

The Democracy in Europe Movement 2025, or DiEM25, is a pan-European political movement and party established in 2016. It was founded by a diverse group of Europeans, including Yanis Varoufakis, former Greek Finance Minister, and Srećko Horvat, a Croatian philosopher and activist. The movement advocates for democratic reform across Europe, aiming to address issues such as economic inequality, political corruption, and the need for a more transparent and accountable European Union.