American Jews Kick Off Jews for Ceasefire Week of Action
For Immediate Release
November 14, 2023
Contact:
press@ifnotnowmovement.org
As the death toll in Gaza rises past 11,000, American Jews in San Francisco, Chicago, and Washington D.C., protested for a ceasefire, hostage exchange, deescalation, and an end to occupation, apartheid, and siege — with many more actions planned throughout the week.
ACROSS THE COUNTRY — Hundreds of Jewish activists and others were arrested Monday in Chicago and San Francisco as they called on President Biden to push for an immediate ceasefire to stop Israel’s deadly assault on Gaza. Meanwhile, 40+ rabbis held Shacharit (morning) prayer services outside the U.S. Capitol, demanding that Congressional leaders call for a ceasefire, and hosted a press conference with Members of Congress who have cosponsored the Ceasefire Now resolution.
At least ten actions are planned in cities across the country this week, a sign of the growing movement of American Jews demanding an immediate ceasefire, hostage exchange, deescalation, and an end to the systems of occupation, apartheid, and siege that has led to the current nightmare.
“In the midst of this horrific war, we are taking to the streets to demand an end to the mass killing of over 10,000 Palestinian civilians – which we know will not free the hostages or bring peace for anyone,” said Eva Borgwardt, IfNotNow’s national spokesperson. “We’re fighting for a future where Palestinians and Israelis can live in true equality, justice, and peace — where no one needs to fear for their lives or mourn their loved ones. For those who have stayed on the sidelines: now is the time to join us in choosing life over destruction.”
“As Jews, we know that every life is sacred. We were horrified by the murders of Israelis on October 7th and we continue to be horrified by murders of over 11,000 Palestinians in the past month, over 40% of whom are children,” said Hayle Meyerhoff, IfNotNow’s Deputy Communications Director who was at the San Francisco action. “We know that guns and bombs will not bring freedom or safety for either Palestinians or Israelis–– that’s why we’re demanding our leaders call for a ceasefire now.”
“We’re shutting down the Israeli Consulate because business as usual can’t continue, when Israel is committing a genocidal assault on Gaza in our name,” said Simone Pass Tucker, a member of IfNotNow Chicago. “We need our elected officials here in the United States to demand an immediate ceasefire. It’s been over a month since the start of this disastrous war, and over 11,000 Palestinians have been murdered, including thousands of children, while over 200 Israeli hostages remain in captivity. Only a ceasefire can prevent more lives from being lost.”
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IfNotNow is a movement of American Jews organizing our community to end U.S. support for Israel's apartheid system and demand equality, justice, and a thriving future for all Palestinians and Israelis.
