Pro-Palestinian Demonstrators Rally Near Chuck Schumer’s Home During Passover Seder
As Senator Chuck Schumer of New York prepared for a crucial vote on a $26 billion aid package for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered near his Brooklyn home on Tuesday evening. The rally, which took place on the second night of Passover, saw at least 100 protesters arrested for blocking traffic and calling for an end to U.S. military support of Israel.
Despite Mr. Schumer being in Washington at the time, demonstrators gathered at Grand Army Plaza, just one block away from his home, holding a Seder-themed protest with banners reading “Jews say stop arming Israel.” The event was organized by pro-Palestinian Jewish groups, including Jewish Voice for Peace, and marked a departure from traditional Passover celebrations as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate.
Stefanie Fox, executive director of Jewish Voice for Peace, explained that the timing of the protest was meant to send a message to Mr. Schumer as the Senate prepared to vote on the aid package. The package, which included funding for humanitarian aid in Gaza, passed in a 79-to-18 vote.
The protest highlighted the growing divide between some Jewish Americans and the pro-Israel establishment in Washington. Mr. Schumer, a prominent Jewish politician, recently criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and called for new elections in Israel. However, his support for the aid package has drawn criticism from activists who believe he is not doing enough to leverage change in U.S. policy towards Israel.
Attendees at the rally expressed a sense of duty to speak out against what they see as injustices committed in their name. Calvin Harrison, a community organizer and attendee, emphasized the importance of standing up for justice, especially during a holiday like Passover that celebrates liberation.
The protest near Mr. Schumer’s home serves as a reminder of the complex political dynamics surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict and the ongoing efforts by activists to push for change in U.S. policy towards the region.
