PHOTO ESSAY ~~ DESPITE HARASSMENT, JEWS CONTINUE TO SAY “NO, NOT IN OUR NAME”

September 24, 2009 at 10:29 (Activism, Associate Post, DesertPeace Exclusive, Gaza, International Solidarity, Israel, Palestine, Photography)

Commentary by Chippy Dee, Photos © by Bud Korotzer

Earlier this week, during the period that the Jewish new year was being celebrated, often a time of reflection, ‘Jews Say No’ had a quiet demonstration on New York’s upper west side. The participants carried signs saying that they were against the ongoing siege of Gaza, the separation wall, and the occupation. They also handed out leaflets explaining their positions and introducing themselves as a group of concerned individuals that got together during the Israeli massacre in Gaza in December ’08 – January ’09 to express their opposition to the siege of Gaza and Israel’s oppression of the Palestinian people. They pointed out that “the Israeli government claims to speak and act on behalf of Jews everywhere, but all over the world Jews are saying: “NO, NOT IN OUR NAME”.

The response of the many people passing by was varied. Many thanked us for being there, many gave us a thumbs-up, some glared in disbelief, a few argued, and a couple told us we should all be ashamed of ourselves. At one point a car stopped and 2 men jumped out. One started screaming that our grandparents were turning over in their graves, we must want another holocaust, and why don’t we all go live with Ahmedinejad. One of our group told him she had learned about justice as a child in Hebrew school and he demanded to know what Hebrew school she went to. As his anger and frustration level grew he became physical, grabbing a sign from one demonstrator, leaflets from another, and throwing the torn leaflet at yet another.

Instantly most of the demonstrators were on their cell phones calling the police. Two patrol cars arrived on the scene very quickly filled with police, including a plainclothes officer and a sergeant. A long discussion followed. The final result was that the demonstrators, although assaulted, could not press charges because they were not injured. The police suggested that they be informed of future demonstrations so that they could assign an officer to the site.

Another demonstration is being planned for about 2 weeks from now. All participants believed that the response of the public was more positive than it had ever been before.