Despite record-breaking temperatures in Southern California this past weekend, with many areas reaching over 100 degrees, thousands still flocked to Anaheim, making their way to the happiest place on earth. In contrast, others made their way to Disneyland to protest in the name of suffering Palestinians.
By 11 a.m. on Saturday morning, the temperature was already 91 degrees, and the crowds entering the theme park quickly multiplied. On average, over 40,000 people attend Disneyland every day, and clearly, no heatwave has the power yet to deter Disney enthusiasts from going into the theme park.
It also wasn’t going to stop a group of Orange County parents and residents from peacefully gathering outside of the park to protest the accused genocide in Gaza.
Equipped with a banner, posters, and big, bright Palestinian flags, the attendees noiselessly stood at an entrance near one of the park's drop-off sections. There was no chanting as the silence of this protest was intended to bring awareness and eyes to what has been happening in Palestine since attacks by Hamas were conducted on October 7th.
Malak Qadeer stood outside the park with her baby wrapped around her chest and Palestine's flag in one hand. She was the first parent to attend the protest, standing firm as people walked by and glanced at the signs they held.