nuclear-news

Thousands of Jewish Americans and Allies Demand Cease-Fire in Gaza

“We as American Jews believe that ‘never again’ means never again for anyone, and that includes Palestinians,” said Jewish Voice for Peace.

Common Dreams JULIA CONLEY, Oct 14, 2023

As the Biden administration’s intent to silence dissent against the United States’ backing of the Israel Defense Forces’ onslaught in Gaza became increasingly clear Friday night, at least 80 Jewish Americans and other supporters of Palestinians’ human rights were arrested for protesting outside the homes and offices of a number of Democratic lawmakers, where they demanded the U.S. government join growing calls for a cease-fire.

The U.S. group Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) organized the mass action, along with calling on Americans to contact their representatives in Congress and demand that they speak out against the air assault Israel launched this week in retaliation for Hamas’ brutal attack last weekend.

At least 2,215 Palestinians have been killed in airstrikes this week, and at least 8,714 people have been injured. The death toll in Israel has reached 1,300, according to Al Jazeera.

Human rights advocates have warned that a looming ground offensive by the IDF in Gaza could rapidly push civilian casualties far higher.

On Friday, JVP led more than 2,000 protesters in five U.S. cities—New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle—in demanding that senators and members of the U.S. House act to halt the “genocide of Palestinians.”

“We as American Jews believe that ‘never again’ means never again for anyone, and that includes Palestinians,” said JVP, referring to the refrain repeated by the Jewish American community regarding the need to prevent genocide. “‘Never again’ is this very moment.”

Thousands of people gathered at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn and marched to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (D-N.Y.) home, where they blocked the road. Approximately 60 people were “dragged away by police,” JVP said.

New York state Assemblymembers Zohran Mamdani (D-36) and Marcela Mitaynes (D-51) were among those arrested……………………………………………………………………………………. more https://www.commondreams.org/news/jewish-americans-protest-gaza

October 20, 2023 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | weapons and war