200 Arrested in Capitol Protest Against U.S. Weapons Sales to Israel Ahead of Netanyahu’s Congress Address
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/24th July 2024
On Tuesday afternoon, U.S. Capitol Police detained approximately 200 protesters who had gathered in the rotunda of the Cannon House Office Building to demonstrate against U.S. weapons sales to Israel. This demonstration occurred just one day before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to address Congress.
The protest, orchestrated by Jewish Voice for Peace, a national organization opposing Zionism, drew a diverse group including rabbis, students, Israeli Americans, and descendants of Holocaust survivors. The protesters expressed their outrage at the prospect of Netanyahu meeting with U.S. lawmakers. Sonya Meyerson-Knox, a spokeswoman for the organization, conveyed the group’s profound dismay at the support being shown to Netanyahu.
Around 3 p.m., protesters began their demonstration by chanting slogans such as “let Gaza live” and “stop genocide,” while encircling a banner that proclaimed, “NO ONE IS FREE UNTIL EVERYONE IS FREE.” Many demonstrators wore red shirts emblazoned with “JEWS SAY STOP ARMING ISRAEL” and held up additional banners, including one that stated, “TIKKUN OLAM = FREE PALESTINE.” The Hebrew phrase “Tikkun Olam,” meaning “repair the world,” was used to highlight their call for justice. Some participants adorned themselves with handmade prayer shawls featuring poppies, a symbol for Palestinians, and the phrase “NEVER AGAIN FOR ANYONE.”
Capitol Police intervened after approximately 20 minutes, instructing the protesters to cease their demonstration. While some complied and left, many remained, leading to the use of zip ties to remove them from the area. As officers worked to clear the rotunda, protesters continued their chants and recited the Shema, a Jewish prayer, until they were fully removed by 4:30 p.m.
Capitol Police emphasized that demonstrations inside Congressional buildings are prohibited. In a statement on X, the department explained that after protesters were warned to disperse, their refusal to comply resulted in their arrest. The police underscored that such actions are a routine response to illegal demonstrations within Capitol premises.
The protest occurred at a critical juncture for U.S.-Israeli relations and amid ongoing cease-fire negotiations for Gaza. Demonstrators are expected to rally on the National Mall the following day to further protest Netanyahu’s visit and advocate for an end to the conflict. Additionally, relatives of hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attack are in Washington, hoping to influence Netanyahu to finalize a deal for their loved ones’ release.
Many Tuesday’s demonstrators plan to join the broader anti-Netanyahu protest the next day but aimed to focus their efforts on opposing U.S. military support for Israel specifically. This movement has become increasingly prominent in Washington, with frequent protests targeting Congress and the White House.
Among those arrested was Benjamin Kersten, a 31-year-old doctoral student from UCLA. Kersten, who was involved in organizing student protests, voiced his belief that Jewish safety should not be equated with military aid to Israel. He labeled Netanyahu a “war criminal” due to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the casualties among civilians, including children.
Rabbi Linda Holtzman of Tikkun Olam Chavurah in Philadelphia also participated, condemning the violence in Gaza and calling for an end to U.S. military aid to Israel. Holtzman emphasized the importance of upholding the sanctity of life and expressed hope for a future where Israelis and Palestinians can reach a peaceful resolution together.
As the Capitol Police managed the situation, they reported that disruptions in Congressional offices, such as those caused by protesters, necessitate swift responses to maintain order. Despite the arrests, the demonstrators remained resolute in their message, ensuring that their voices were heard in the halls of power.
