Protesters Demand End to US Arms for Israel Outside Trump Hotel

Police arrested more than 40 individuals outside the Trump International Hotel in New York City during a demonstration on the evening of October 27, 2023. The protest was organized by Jewish leaders and activists advocating for an end to the U.S. military support for Israel amidst ongoing violence in Gaza. Hundreds participated in the peaceful gathering, which highlighted the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Among those present was Motaz Azaiza, a renowned photojournalist from Gaza, who spoke passionately about the impact of the conflict on his homeland. Rabbi Ari Lev Fornari, who also attended the protest, was arrested during the event. Fornari expressed the urgency of their message, stating, “We’re here to say, ‘Let Gaza live,’ to risk everything to say, ‘Never again.’”

The protest at Columbus Circle was part of a broader movement that saw thousands of people demonstrating nationwide. Earlier in the week, hundreds had occupied the office lobbies of Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer to challenge their votes against a proposal by Senator Bernie Sanders aimed at halting arms sales to Israel.

The escalating violence in Gaza has prompted widespread international condemnation and calls for immediate action. Protesters voiced their concerns about what they describe as the “starvation and ethnic cleansing” of the Palestinian population. The demonstration was organized by the group IfNotNow, which focuses on mobilizing Jewish Americans against the actions of the Israeli government.

In Sydney, Australia, similar sentiments were echoed as hundreds of thousands marched in solidarity with those affected by the conflict. The global response highlights a growing urgency among many citizens to advocate for peace and humanitarian aid in the region.

The protests in New York City reflect a significant moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. As calls for accountability and change intensify, the actions taken by these activists may influence future political decisions regarding military aid and international relations.

The demonstrations are part of a larger narrative that underscores the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the role of international actors, particularly the United States, in shaping the situation on the ground.