Kirsten Gillibrand

Democratic

Senator
State: NY

New York

via: timesnownews.com

Chelsea Manning and Actress Hari Nef Arrested at NYC Protest Against US Arms Sales to Israel

Political whistleblower Chelsea Manning and actress Hari Nef were among more than 100 protesters arrested during a demonstration in New York City calling on Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand to block US weapons sales to Israel.

The protest, organized by the New York chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace, took place on Monday outside Schumer’s office. More than 300 people participated, including Hacks star Hannah Einbinder. Demonstrators blocked traffic and chanted slogans like “fund people, not bombs” after being prevented from entering the building. Police arrested over 100 protesters and took them away on three buses.

The group was urging the two New York senators to support a Joint Resolution of Disapproval aimed at stopping a proposed $658.8 million arms sale to Israel. The protest comes amid growing criticism of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, and the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza.

A recent Pew Research Center poll showed that 60% of Americans now hold an unfavorable view of Israel, up significantly from 42% in 2022.

What the Protesters Want

Jewish Voice for Peace said the arrests happened “just before a likely Senate vote” on blocking weapons to Israel.“The US-Israel war machine is threatening the lives of millions across Iran, Lebanon, and Palestine, while millions in the US can’t access healthcare and SNAP benefits,” the group said in a statement.

They called on Schumer and Gillibrand to “listen to their constituents and vote to stop arming Israel.”Both senators have previously supported US military aid to Israel. In February, Schumer said one of his key responsibilities as Senate Minority Leader was to “fight for aid to Israel.” Last June, both he and Gillibrand voted in favor of continuing arms sales.

Senator Bernie Sanders has put forth multiple resolutions preventing the U.S. from sending more than $600 million worth of military equipment to Israel at the present time due to their excessive bombing of Gaza. However, he has been unsuccessful at blocking all previous attempts with the support of only a minority of Senate Democrats. His most recent attempt last August received the support of over half of Senate Democrats.

Chelsea Manning’s Statement

After her arrest, Chelsea Manning — who was previously convicted under the Espionage Act for leaking classified documents to WikiLeaks — told Newsweek:

“The cruelties of war are not inevitable. Our actions matter in shaping the course of history.”

She added that Schumer and Gillibrand have repeatedly backed weapons sales “being used to commit atrocities across Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran,” and urged them to “follow the will of New Yorkers” by voting to block the sales.The demonstration reflects deepening divisions in the US over America’s military support for Israel amid the ongoing conflicts in the region.

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Kirsten Gillibrand

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Chelsea Manning and Actress Hari Nef Arrested at NYC Protest Against US Arms Sales to Israel