By Monday evening, over 40 people had been arrested. So when they were protesting outside the Trump International Hotel in New York City, I thought their action was really timely. The demonstration, organized under the banner “Trump: Jews Say No More,” aimed to address the ongoing war and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Protesters came out in front of the hotel to raise awareness, tell their stories, and push for an end to the war on drugs.
The celebration—which electrifyingly featured both nominees onstage together—launched shortly after 8 p.m. ET. Attendees called on the U.S. government to use its influence to demand that Israel grant more humanitarian aid access to Gaza. The protestors certainly marched on the hotel with moxie. Their signs were legible and booming, asking to “stop ethnic cleansing,” demanding that we “stop starving Gaza,” reminding us that “never again is now,” that it’s not in our name.
Meanwhile, health officials in Gaza have released shocking numbers showing the extent of these humanitarian crimes, including deaths due to starvation and malnutrition. Not surprisingly, these reports have further galvanized activists to demand swift action from their local and national leaders.
Notable speakers at the protest included former Manhattan Borough President Ruth Messinger, T’ruah leader Rabbi Jill Jacobs, and New York City Councilmember Brad Lander. Every speaker highlighted a strong, persistent need to act to change the narrative. They urged American Jews to come together and stand against this violence in Gaza.
“We have an obligation, specifically as American Jews, to stand up against what’s happening in our name.” – Lily Greenberg Call
Lily Greenberg Call, who was previously a special assistant to the chief of staff at the U.S. Department of the Interior, made her resignation public, condemning the administration’s handling of the war. She went to the protest the next day to register her dissent. Her departure highlights a deepening frustration among Jewish leaders with U.S. support for Israel in the current war.
Morriah Kaplan, IfNotNow’s interim executive director, who spoke to the crowd. She described Israel’s blockade of Gaza as ethnic cleansing by forced mass starvation. And Kaplan appealed to those in attendance to understand how dire the moment is.
“Let’s not mince words, the Israeli government’s blockade of Gaza is a policy of ethnic cleansing by way of forced mass starvation.” – Morriah Kaplan
Kaplan made the case to apply U.S. leverage in the most effective way possible. First he urged members of Congress to take action to end the humanitarian crisis.
“We need the US government to use its considerable leverage to end these horrors.” – Morriah Kaplan
Perhaps the most important factor was the timing of the protest. It happened to be just after Tisha B’Av, a Jewish day of fasting and lamentation, observing all the tragedies suffered by the Jewish people.
“Yesterday was the Jewish holiday of Tisha B’Av in which Jews mourn the destruction of the people of Israel.” – Brad Lander
Brad Lander spoke passionately about the moral obligation to respond to the suffering in Gaza, referencing disturbing reports of emaciated children and starving families amid ongoing violence.
“But to witness forced mass starvation, emaciated children and starving families, on top of all the bombing and destruction and displacement, it is necessary for Jews to cry out louder, to do more organizing to make sure that we stop sending offensive weapons and bombs and guns that we demand an end to what Israel is doing in Gaza. That’s why we’re here tonight.” – Brad Lander
The New York Police Department began arresting protesters around 8:15 p.m. ET for blocking street access. The protest highlighted a significant rift in attitudes and beliefs about U.S. aid to Israel. It highlighted a deepening movement within Jewish communities that are fervently calling for this kind of change.