Local bands played, representatives of different local organizations spoke, and young men and women collected names to support the demand to keep the store.

The eviction move came after one of the main food store chains in Sweden, ICA, demanded more space in the shopping center. The publicly owned real estate company Göteborgslokaler has agreed.

"We want Simmo Lågpris here, where we can buy food from different countries, food that we are used to," said Rohi Masharawi, chairman of the Palestinian Coordinating Committee, one of the 19 local organizations sponsoring the protest. He was happy with the turnout, despite the weather.

Those backing the eviction "refer to what those of us who live here want. Well, we have spoken out today. Besides, only today we have collected 2,700 more names, to add to the 2,000 we already had before," said Masharawi.

Several people at the protest explained why they supported the demand for Simmo Lågpris to stay. "They keep lower prices than other stores," said a Chilean woman who did not want to give her name. "Also, if you don’t have enough money one day, you can pay later," she said. Other participants said the store owners organize to have the food of old and handicapped people carried home for free.

Since the April 29 demonstration, supporters of the store have organized protests outside the offices of Göteborgslokaler in the center of Gothenburg and on the square in Hjällbo.

The May 6 demonstration outside Göteborgslokaler’s office drew some 200 people chanting, "If Simmo moves, we will move" and "Long live Simmo Lågpris." Many carried placards with slogans like "Let the people of Hjällbo decide," "WHY," and "Let Simmo Stay." Passing cars were encouraged to "Honk if you support Simmo," which many did.

Among the many young people at the action was 15-year-old Samira Hussein who spoke out against the arrogant attitude of Göteborgslokaler officials. "I can’t understand why they are doing this. Everyone is supporting Simmo," she said. Samira was also a part of the April 29 demonstration and helped collect signatures among other youth. The action was characterized by the unity and confidence of the participants. And the fight is far from over.

Osama Abdullah, a chairman of Al Salaam, which organized to get the police permit needed for the demonstration, said: "We will continue this struggle until Göteborgslokaler gives us a concrete answer. We won’t give up."  
 
 
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