Jews for Ceasefire Week of Action: Thousands Protest Across the Country, Hundreds Arrested
For Immediate Release
November 17, 2023
Contact:
press@ifnotnowmovement.org
Jews for Ceasefire Week of Action: Thousands of Jewish Activists Protest Across the Country, Hundreds Arrested
In actions from coast to coast, including six college campuses, Jewish protesters engaged in civil disobedience to call for ceasefire.
In cities around the U.S. this week, Jewish activists and allies protested and engaged in nonviolent civil disobedience to demand that American leaders push for an immediate ceasefire to stop Israel’s vicious assault on Gaza, which has already killed over 11,000 people, over 4,500 of whom are children. The protests also called for a hostage exchange, deescalation to ensure that no more Palestinian, Israelis, or others in the region are harmed, and a long-term political solution that will end Israel’s systems of occupation, apartheid, and siege.
High quality photos and videos of all of these protests are available upon request.
Monday, November 12
Washington, DC — Around 50 Rabbis for Ceasefire hold prayers at the Capitol and hold press conference with Members of Congress who have called for a ceasefire.
Chicago, IL — 1000 Jewish protesters affiliated with IfNotNow Chicago, Jewish Voice for Peace Chicago, and Never Again Action Chicago shut down a major transit hub in Chicago and block the building where the Israeli consulate is located, and around 100 were arrested.
Oakland, CA — Hundreds of Jewish protesters affiliated with IfNotNow Bay Area and Jewish Voice for Peace Bay Area occupied the lobby of the Oakland Federal building and 300 were arrested.
Wednesday, November 15
Los Angeles, CA — 1000 Jewish protesters affiliated with IfNotNow LA and Jewish Voice for Peace LA blocked a major intersection in Hollywood during rush hour, calling for a ceasefire.
Washington, DC — 200 protesters, many of whom were Jewish, affiliated with IfNotNow, Jewish Voice for Peace, and Democratic Socialists of America held a vigil and engaged in nonviolent civil disobedience outside of the Democratic National headquarters before being violently attacked by police.
Thursday, November 16
Boston, MA — Over 100 Jewish protesters affiliated with IfNotNow Boston blocked the BU Bridge during rush hour, calling on Massachusetts Members of Congress to call for a ceasefire.
Harvard University — Jewish students and allies occupied University Hall for 24 hours, calling on the university to push for a ceasefire.
Yale University — Jews for Ceasefire student group protested outside Schwarzmann Hall calling on university and political leaders to push for a ceasefire and for the university to divest from weapons manufacturing.
Columbia University — CU Jews for Ceasefire protested at the 116th and Broadway gate to Columbia’s campus, calling on the university to push for a ceasefire and protesting the university’s decision to ban Jewish Voice for Peace and Students for Justice in Palestine.
Amherst College and Vanderbilt University — Jewish students on both campuses hung up banners that read: “Jews Say: Ceasefire Now” and “Jews for Ceasefire."
Friday, November 17
Further Jews for Ceasefire protests are expected at the University of Michigan and Oberlin College.
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