Pro-Palestinian protesters blocked traffic on bridges in Boston and San Francisco during rush hour Thursday morning, calling for a cease-fire in Gaza as Israel continues to target Hamas leadership. The demonstrations were organized by the American Jewish group ‘IfNotNow’ and aimed to raise awareness about the ongoing conflict and advocate for peace.
On the Boston University bridge, members of IfNotNow, representing Boston’s Jewish community, chanted “Cease-fire now!” and demanded Senator Elizabeth Warren’s support for an immediate cease-fire. They also urged her to use her influence to stop the Israeli government’s military action in Gaza. The protest caused traffic to slow significantly on the bridge as protesters held signs saying “Let Gaza Live” and unfurled a banner that read “Jews say: Ceasefire now.”
Similar protests took place on the Bay Bridge in San Francisco, where President Biden was attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Demonstrators marched across the bridge, calling for a cease-fire in Gaza and for Hamas to release hostages. Some protesters even chained themselves to the bridge or lay in the road covered with sheets smeared with fake blood. These actions caused traffic to come to a crawl.
The Arab Resource and Organizing Center planned the demonstrations, with protesters shouting slogans such as “Free Palestine” and “We want justice.” Authorities had closed one lane on the Bay Bridge as a precautionary measure during the summit.
The protests come in response to the recent escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas. Israel launched a military offensive after Hamas launched a surprise attack, resulting in numerous casualties on both sides. Over 11,200 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza.
As the protests unfolded, Israeli forces dropped leaflets in southern Gaza, urging Palestinians to evacuate certain areas, indicating a possible expansion of their offensive.
The demonstrations highlight the growing concern for the situation in Gaza and the desire for a cease-fire among various groups, including members of the Jewish community. The IfNotNow group aims to bring attention to the plight of Palestinians and advocate for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
