Activists wanted to convey two key messages with the protest action. That Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip (through siege), as well as Israel’s ongoing settlement construction project in the West Bank, have been made possible only by continued US support. Also, that the US must join the entire international community and condemn this policy in all forums, including the UN. The activists called for politically sane and human rights oriented elements within American society and within the American administration to stand up to religious, nationalist and economic lobbies which profit from the current, misguided and immoral American policies which directly support Israeli Occupation.
The demonstration lasted for one hour. Activists carried banners saying “Veto Settlements, Vote Justice” as well as “Stop US Supported Occupation.” No arrests or injuries were reported. Israeli activists have been targeting the United States for the past three months since the death of Bil’in protester Jawaher Abu Rahmah from American made Tear Gas. Signaling a new trend in Israeli direct action protest, activists have been pushing for international boycott of Israel under the Palestinian call for Boycott, Divestment and Sanction (BDS). Israeli activists are also speaking more English and paying more attention to the international audience than the Israeli one.
