On October 14, 2023, Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) led a significant protest outside the New York Stock Exchange, drawing hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists to highlight war profiteering related to the ongoing Gaza conflict. The demonstration resulted in over 200 arrests as participants, many wearing red t-shirts emblazoned with slogans such as 'Not in our name' and 'Jews say stop arming Israel,' chained themselves to the entrances of the Stock Exchange. The protest featured a diverse group of attendees, including rabbis, elected officials, and celebrities, all united in their call to end U.S. financial support for Israel amidst the humanitarian crisis in Gaza [5aa8f27d].
JVP's Sumaya Awad stated that U.S. tax dollars are effectively funding genocide in Gaza, while fellow activist Beth Miller criticized the Biden Administration for allocating $18 billion to Israel, arguing that this funding comes at a time when domestic infrastructure issues remain unaddressed. The timing of the protest coincided with Indigenous People's Day and the Jewish High Holidays, emphasizing the perceived contradiction in U.S. support for Israel while claiming to honor indigenous rights [5aa8f27d].
This protest follows the recent controversy surrounding JVP's publication of an anti-Zionist Pesach Haggadah, which has drawn criticism for its portrayal of Israel and its support for Palestinian liberation. The Haggadah included references to Palestinian 'Shaheeds' and called for divestment from the Jewish National Fund, further polarizing opinions within the Jewish community regarding Zionism and anti-Zionism [7d0a5b3c].
The protest garnered mixed reactions from bystanders, with some expressing support for the activists' message against war and others opposing their stance. This event illustrates the growing tensions and activism surrounding the Gaza conflict and the broader implications of U.S. foreign policy in the region [5aa8f27d].