On a cold and icy Black Friday, members of Schenectady Neighbors for Peace held a vigil and demonstration at the corner of Erie Boulevard and State Street — just as they’ve done every Friday since 9/11.
“We are here because we want the world to know that there are people here in America who don’t agree with [U.S.] war policy,” said demonstrator Terri Roben, 69.
The group of demonstrators gather weekly to protest climate crises, violations of civil rights and armed conflicts, such as those currently going on in the Middle East.
The conflict in the Gaza Strip was sparked when Hamas-led militants stormed out of the region into nearby Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, during a major Jewish holiday, killing some 1,200 people — most of them civilians — and kidnapping some 250 people, including children.
Israel immediately launched airstrikes on Gaza, followed by a broad ground offensive that is ongoing. Israel has vowed to press ahead until it realizes its goals of destroying Hamas’ military and governing capabilities, bringing home all hostages and ensuring that Hamas never again poses a threat to Israel.
Since 1948, the U.S. has given Israel over $318 billion cumulatively — making Israel the biggest beneficiary of U.S. aid in history. Aid provided to the country has been for military, economic, and humanitarian assistance.
Nearly half the Israeli hostages taken in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack were released during a one-week ceasefire in November 2023 in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. But repeated attempts at reaching a new ceasefire deal have faltered. Israel has rescued eight hostages in military operations, but dozens of others have been pronounced dead. Israel estimates that two-thirds of the roughly 100 hostages still inside Gaza are alive.
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah went into effect Wednesday. If it holds, it will end nearly 14 months of fighting which escalated in mid-September into all-out war. However, the deal does not address the war in Gaza.
“America is going to have some big troubles if it is stuck aiding a regime like Israel’s,” John Koghen, 75, said. “America is responsible for this war due to the weapons that are winning the war for Israel, and are committing a genocide.”
Israeli leaders and Jewish leaders worldwide have rejected the notion that Israel is committing genocide.
The Gaza Health Ministry, which is part of the Hamas-run government, said over 44,000 people as of mid-November had been killed in the Israeli offensive. The figures do not differentiate between civilians and combatants but the Health Ministry has said over half the dead have been women and children. The Israeli army says some 17,000 militants have been killed, but it has given little evidence to support this figure, according to The Associated Press.
“We’re all connected,” Roben said. “Our government and our tax dollars are going to these wars overseas — we’re not disconnected from them, we’re supporting them. It may not seem relevant to our lives, but it is.”
On Nov. 21, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister, Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes. The warrants said there was reason to believe the men have used “starvation as a method of warfare” by restricting humanitarian aid and have intentionally targeted civilians. Israel angrily denied the charges, calling them antisemitic and a victory for terrorism and said the charges failed to recognize the country’s right to defend itself. The court also issued a warrant for Deif for his role in the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks. Israel says it killed Deif months ago, but Hamas has not said whether he is dead or alive.
Following President-elect Donald Trump’s victory in last month’s U.S. general election, it remains to be seen what his new administration’s plans for the conflict in the Middle East will be. The local demonstrators weren’t sure what the future would hold either.
“I have no idea,” Roben said. “I think it’s impossible to read into [the new administration].”
“You can’t read his tea leaves,” Glen Raymus, 71, said.
Some passerby drivers weren’t supportive of the demonstrators, calling them “racist” and telling them to “go find a job.” However, Roben seemed unfazed.
“We get more honks than people yelling,” she said.
Koghen encouraged his fellow citizens to organize locally for causes they feel passionately about.
“Come out with your sign and see if your neighbors come with you,” he said. “If your neighbors come out to support you and your issue, then you’ve got something going.
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