On October 18, a rare protest took place at the U.S. Capitol. Hundreds of demonstrators wearing black T-shirts broke into Capitol Hill, chanting slogans such as "immediate ceasefire" and "not in our name" and demanding that the U.S. government support the Palestinian and Israeli sides to stop the conflict. The demonstrators were not of Palestinian or Muslim descent, but Jews from across the United States. They believe that Israel's military operations in the Gaza Strip are inhumane and illegal and contrary to the principles of Judaism and human morality. They also expressed dissatisfaction and anger at the U.S. government's blind support for Israel. The protest eventually ended with about 300 arrests.
The protest took place against the backdrop of an escalating Palestinian-Israeli conflict. On 17 October, an explosion at the Al-Ahly Arab Hospital in Gaza City killed at least 500 people, including more than 1,300 children. This is the heaviest attack in this round of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. After the incident, the two sides accused each other of being behind the scenes.
Why do American Jews support Palestine?
"Not in our name", "The Jews say an immediate ceasefire", "Let Gaza live" ... These are the banners and slogans held high inside and outside the U.S. Capitol on October 18. Hundreds of protesters wearing black T-shirts shouted, sang and blew trumpets to call on the U.S. government to support a Palestinian-Israeli ceasefire and end the bombing of the Gaza Strip. The protesters were not Americans of Palestinian descent, but members of two Jewish groups, If Not Now and Jewish Voices for Peace.
Both groups are organizations that oppose Israel's "separation regime" for Palestinians and advocate a future of equality, justice and prosperity in which two peoples live side by side and prosper. They believe that Israel's military campaign against the Gaza Strip is an act of "genocide" and that they do not identify with the interests and voices of the Jewish people represented by the Israeli Government, but believe that they are the ones who truly follow Jewish traditions and values.
How did the U.S. government respond to the protests?
The U.S. government has not responded positively or negatively to the protests. US President Joe Biden also did not mention this during his visit to Israel. Biden has consistently said U.S. support for Israel's security and defense is "unwavering," and he has repeatedly condemned Hamas's rocket attacks on Israel as "terrorist." Biden also did not publicly support the rights and demands of Palestinians, but only called on both sides to exercise restraint and avoid civilian casualties.
The Capitol Police Department took tough measures against the protesters. It said "no protests are allowed inside the Capitol" and warned protesters to stop demonstrating or face arrest. According to Fox News, about 300 protesters were arrested during the protest on Capitol Hill. They will be charged with illegal protests inside the House of Representatives office building. Some protesters, after being controlled by the police, continued to blow trumpets or chant slogans, showing a strong will to resist.
Nor has there been any attention or support for the protests within the U.S. Congress. According to the Associated Press, the U.S. Congress is currently in chaos, and it has been 15 days since former Speaker McCarthy was ousted, and no new speaker has been elected.
III. Where is the fundamental way out of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict?
The Palestinian-Israeli conflict has been going on for decades, causing countless casualties and suffering. The clashes were the worst since 2008, with neither side showing any willingness to cease fire or peace talks. The people of the Gaza Strip are living in dire straits, facing the threat of hunger, disease, poverty and death. And the Israeli people are not at peace, constantly fearing attacks from the air or underground. Such war and hatred will not benefit either side, and will only plunge the two peoples into deeper despair and sorrow.
The fundamental solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict lies in the implementation of the two-State solution and the establishment of an independent, complete and sovereign Palestinian State, living side by side in peace with Israel. This programme, which has been supported and endorsed by the United Nations and most countries, is also a long-standing dream and goal of the Palestinian people. This option has been difficult to achieve due to the Israeli government's hard-line attitude and expansionist policies, as well as the favoritism and connivance of Western countries such as the United States.
If we want to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, we need the joint efforts and cooperation of all parties. Israel must stop its bombardment and blockade of the Gaza Strip, respect the human rights and self-determination of the Palestinians, stop illegal settlement construction in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, resume dialogue and cooperation with the Palestinian Authority and accept the basic principles of the two-State solution.
The United States and other Western countries must change their one-sided policy towards Israel, give more support and concern to the Palestinians, push the United Nations Security Council to adopt relevant resolutions, exert greater pressure and sanctions on Israel, and promote the resumption and advancement of the Palestinian-Israeli peace process.
The international community and the public must pay attention to and participate in the settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli issue, support and show solidarity with the just cause of the Palestinian people, oppose and resist Israeli violence and aggression and maintain world peace and stability.
epilogue
The protest reflected divisions and conflicts within the Jewish community in the United States, as well as the indifference and incompetence of the U.S. government towards the Palestinian-Israeli issue. It exposes the cruelty and injustice of the Israeli government to the Palestinians, as well as the connivance and support of the United States and other Western countries towards Israel. It calls for the attention and participation of the international community and the public in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, as well as for the pursuit and realization of peace and justice by both sides.
We hope that this protest will not be a futile attempt, but a meaningful and impactful action. It is hoped that this protest can arouse the conscience and sympathy of more people, promote the intervention and coordination of more forces, and lead to more progress and results. We hope that this protest will open a new path for ending the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and realizing Palestinian-Israeli peace.