Amid a Passover Seder event, a large group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered near Chuck Schumer’s residence, the Senate majority leader, on Tuesday evening. As Senator Schumer prepared for a crucial vote on an aid package for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, over 100 protesters were arrested for disrupting traffic in Brooklyn to demand an end to U.S. military support for Israel.
Despite Senator Schumer’s absence, the demonstrators congregated near his Brooklyn home, displaying banners calling for an end to arming Israel. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as speakers addressed the crowd, leading to a standoff with the police resulting in multiple arrests.
The protest, organized by pro-Palestinian Jewish groups, highlighted a shift in Passover celebrations for many Jewish people, reflecting the impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on communities.
Stefanie Fox, from Jewish Voice for Peace, emphasized the importance of the protest coinciding with Passover to send a strong message to Senator Schumer ahead of the aid package vote. The allocation of funds for humanitarian aid in Gaza was a key point of contention during the demonstration.
The event underscored the growing dissent within the Jewish community regarding U.S. support for Israel, challenging traditional views and advocating for a reevaluation of policies.
2024-04-24 08:49:22
Source from www.nytimes.com