Jews, Palestinians, and Allies for Peace in Gaza Protest in St. Louis Park

Sunday afternoon, a spirited crowd of demonstrators led by Jewish and Palestinian-American voices lined the only street leading to the Sabes Jewish Community Center in the Minneapolis suburb of St. Louis Park. Following a 2:30 press conference, the crowd swelled to some 200 people demanding an end to Israel's war in Gaza and urging U.S. media and pro-Zionist organizations to take note of the movement of Jews standing in solidarity with Palestine. Inside the building, a pro-Israel event was taking place.

Organizers announced that the next rally in support of Gaza will take place at Loring Park in downtown Minneapolis at 2pm on Saturday, January 17.

Among the speakers at the press conference was Lisa Albrecht, organizer with the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network--Twin Cities, "There is not one monolithic Jewish community or voice in the world, the U.S., or Minnesota," she began. "Today, we - as Jews of conscience - affirm the need for Jewish resistance to Zionism and stand committed to situating our work in a long legacy of Jewish people throughout history who have stood in solidarity with others in common struggles against all forms of racism and repression. There are many Jews who are not Zionists and do not support Israeli government policy. We stand with the Palestine solidarity movement, and call upon all Jews of conscience to demand an end to the Israeli war on Gaza."

Now entering its 17th day, this most recent massacre has resulted in over 900 Palestinian deaths in Gaza. Since 2000, at least 4,876 Palestinian lives and 1,062 Israelis have been claimed in the conflict, including over 1,000 Palestinian children and 100 Israeli children, according to IfAmericansKnew.org. The most recent round of Israeli strikes has targeted several mosques and pharmacies, a mental health clinic, the Ministry of Eduction, and a UN School, among other civilian targets.

"They've been under siege for over two years--no food, medicine, supplies, nothing getting in," said Ziad Amra of the Minnesota Coalition for Gaza. "And the reason is, Israel and the United States want to overturn the results of a free election. Every nation on this earth has a right to self determination, and that includes the Palestinian people. Every nation on this earth has a right to self defense, and that includes the Palestinian people." Hamas, claimed to be a terrorist organization by the European Union, the U.S. and Israel, won the last Palestinian parliamentary elections in January 2006.

Ilana Lerman spoke for Jews for an End to the Occupation, delcaring, "We as Jews of conscience will not stand by and let Israel do this in our name." She invoked the story of Simeon, Levi, and their father Jacob. In the Hebrew Bible, Simeon and Levi massacre the city of the rapist of their sister Dinah. Jacob responds with disapproval and fears for his life, for the act will likely lead to retailiation. "There is a part of me that is like Jacob," continued Lerman, "scared of what Israel's actions will generate for Jews living across this world. Israel is now making me feel unsafe living in my own home. Our brothers and sisters here standing behind Israel's horrific actions," referring to the rally happening inside, "will never create safety for our Jewish communities. Today I feel blessed to be surrounded by Jews and allies who are outraged and taking resopnsibility for the transformation of this violence into a just peace for the human beings in Gaza and Israel. May all humans be safe."

Fewer than five pro-Israel demonstrators showed up towards the end of the rally, including one with an Israeli flag. When they were confronted and a Palestinian flag held up in front, one St. Louis Park police officer aimed a can of chemical irritant at the crowd, but the situation was defused and there was no violence. The protest was entirely non-violent and police generally showed restraint, not including erecting barricades for the crowd to exercise their free speech behind and attempting to order away demonstrators trying to confront pro-Israel passersby.

The Zionist rally took place inside the Sabes community center, which refused to allow those with dissenting opinions to enter their property. Many prominent politicians were expected to attend; former U.S. Senators Norm Coleman and Mark Dayton were seen leaving in their cars. The event was missing from the Sabes public events calendar, but promoted by United Jewish Communities, a Minnesota coalition that notably ignores the myriad Jewish voices for peace. Their website lists AIPAC as one of the sponsors of Sunday's event.

With Cedar Lake Road lined by Jews and allies chanting for over two hours holding signs and Palestinian flags, attendees were not permitted to ignore such voices on Sunday. Concluded Albrecht: "Do not let mainstream Jews and their organizations call you "Jew-haters." Have courage and speak out. Do not be silent about Gaza."