Washington – Protesters from across the country gathered at the Capitol on Wednesday to call for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, leaving hundreds in handcuffs.
“We were raised saying, ‘Never again,'” Liv, a member of the activist group Jewish Voice for Peace, told Fox News as protesters sang and clapped. Ta.
U.S. Capitol Police announced they had arrested 300 protesters who stormed the Rotunda on Wednesday afternoon. (John Michael Larsch/Fox News Digital)
From deadly desert raves to the front lines, Israeli reservist soldiers recount concert massacres
More than 5,000 people have been killed since the war broke out between Hamas and Israel.
Thousands of demonstrators crowded into and around the Cannon House office building on Wednesday, many wearing black T-shirts that read “Jews cease fire now!”
About 300 demonstrators have been arrested, and at least three of them have been charged with assaulting police officers. us capitol police he told Fox News. Police also confirmed to Fox News that demonstrators inside the Canon Rotunda will be charged with unlawfully protesting inside the House of Representatives office building.
“Civil disobedience is part of how we get our message across, and we need Congress to hear it, and we need the president to hear it,” he said, his hands tied in zip-tie handcuffs. Luisa spoke while being asked. “He feels that Mr. Biden needs to stand up and help facilitate a ceasefire to prevent more deaths.”
One member of Jewish Voice for Peace said the demonstration had been planned for about three days. He flew from Kansas City to Washington, D.C., to participate.
“We’re here to send a message to President Biden and Congress, not in our name, but to send a message: cease fire now,” Michael said.
Hundreds of pro-Palestinian Jews arrested, inside Capitol chaos:
See more FOX News Digital Originals here
He added that the US government has “tremendous powers” and should de-escalate the conflict.
“We need to stop sending money and stationing troops,” he said.
The crowd included dozens of rabbis and children of Holocaust survivors, demonstrators said. Some demonstrators likened Israel’s past and present actions to “genocide.”
“This is a moral disaster and they are arresting us instead of joining us,” Liv said.
The JVP had previously condemned Hamas’ attacks on civilians as “horrific war crimes.” But the group’s former executive director told Fox News that while she feels “despair and sadness and grief” for Israeli civilians, the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis is not “a level playing field.” No, she said.
“The important thing to remember is that this did not start on Saturday, October 7th,” said Rebecca Billcomerson, former executive director of JVP. “Israel has imposed apartheid, deprivation and siege on the Palestinian people for decades.”
Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators flooded the Cannon House office building and its surrounding area, many wearing black T-shirts that read “Jews cease fire now!” (John Michael Larsch/Fox News Digital)
Justice Department appeals sentencing of Proud Boys who have already served more than 10 years in prison 6 Capitol riots
The D.C. chapter of the Anti-Defamation League condemned the protests Wednesday night.
“Despite their claims, these far-left extremist organizations do not represent the overwhelming majority of the Jewish community.” ADL DC Regional Director Meredith R. Weisel wrote: “Rather, these groups are anti-Zionists who challenge Israel’s very right to exist. Let me be clear: anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism.”
However, protesters told Fox News that Jews are not a monolith and that many sympathize with the Palestinian struggle.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“We are risking everything we have to stop genocide against Palestinians in Gaza in real time, and to encourage others to speak up for our communities. I’m standing there wishing they had given me that,” Jay said as other protesters were arrested nearby.
Demonstrators included members of the activist group IfNotNow.now boasted about X As protests unfolded at the Capitol, Jews in Boston also reportedly “committed civil disobedience” in Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s office, demanding her call for a ceasefire.
To learn more about what protesters have to say, click here.
Ramiro Vargas contributed the accompanying video.
