American Jewish Organizations Urge Biden Administration for Gaza Cease-fire
WASHINGTON — In light of the escalating conflict in the Middle East, American Jewish organizations IfNotNow and Jewish Voice for Peace converged in front of the White House on Monday. Their message was unequivocal: the Biden administration must step in to prevent a looming catastrophe in Gaza.
"We're calling on the U.S. government to act decisively to halt the unfolding crisis in Gaza," declared Simone Zimmerman, co-founder of IfNotNow.
The demonstration, which attracted over 1,500 participants, was a response to the increasing pressures on the Biden administration. The incursion by Hamas into Israeli territories led to a devastating toll, with over 1,400 deaths and 3,400 injuries. Israel's subsequent counteractions resulted in an estimated 2,800 Palestinian casualties and an additional 10,000 injuries. News of Israel bombing all hospitals in Northern Gaza heightened fears of a potential ground invasion by Israeli forces.
Despite Israel's previous evacuation warning to civilians in northern Gaza, an Israeli airstrike tragically claimed the lives of 70 Palestinian evacuees. Concurrently, Hamas has detained over 100 Israeli hostages.
Disturbingly, amid the protest, there were reports of some law enforcement officers (LEOs) using antisemitic language. Even more troubling, a few were found to have expressed sympathy with neo-Nazi groups online, further exacerbating tensions and raising concerns about systemic issues within the law enforcement community.
A Monday report from The Intercept revealed that 13 progressive Democratic lawmakers are championing a resolution, urging the White House's intervention for an immediate cease-fire. The demonstration sought to bolster this call to action.
Holding placards like “No to War, No to Apartheid,” demonstrators strategically positioned themselves, blocking pivotal White House entrances and disrupting both federal employees and the media's routine.
Rose Espinola, one of the protesters, described their willingness to face arrest as a "deeply Jewish ritual." Another participant, 23-year-old Thomas, voiced concerns about the potential large-scale atrocities against Palestinians in Gaza.
The Washington Post highlighted the arrest of over 30 activists due to entrance obstructions.
Given the recent devastating events in Gaza, President Biden has canceled his trip to Jordan. Israeli sources suggest the postponement of any ground invasion of Gaza, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the U.S.'s potential influential role.
Zimmerman accentuated the urgency for a cease-fire, drawing attention to the domestic implications of overseas conflicts. This was exemplified by the hate crime against young Palestinian American, Wadea Al-Fayoume, in Illinois.
The White House was swift to condemn the incident, reiterating America's core values of inclusivity and tolerance.
Zimmerman concluded with an emphasis on the mutual sentiment held by Israelis and Palestinians alike: U.S. foreign policy requires comprehensive reassessment to ensure the security and well-being of all involved parties.
In the backdrop of these events, the U.S. military is prepping, with approximately 2,000 noncombat troops poised to potentially support Israel.