In a surprising protest against Israel’s war in Gaza, hundreds of people gathered in the rotunda of an office building in the US Capitol complex. Led by Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), protesters chanted “Let Gaza live” and called for an end to the violence. Capitol Police quickly declared the area a closed zone and arrested hundreds of demonstrators who refused to leave.
Protesters, including descendants of Holocaust survivors, demanded that the US government stop sending weapons to Israel. They criticized the administration of President Joe Biden for authorizing over $14 billion in military aid to Israel, despite the ongoing violence in Gaza.
The protest came one day before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was set to address Congress, drawing attention to the US government’s unwavering support for Israel. Progressive Jewish groups have been organizing similar protests across the country, calling for an arms embargo against Israel and an end to the conflict in Gaza.
While some question the effectiveness of direct action, activists like Rabbi Abby Stein believe that protests raise awareness and push for change. Despite facing arrest, demonstrators remained steadfast in their demands for peace and justice. JVP is calling on Biden and Congress to listen to the people and implement an arms embargo to stop the violence in Gaza.
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