NEW YORK — Law enforcement officers arrested approximately 90 demonstrators Monday during a protest targeting Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand over their stance on American weapons sales to Israel.
The antiwar organization Jewish Voice for Peace organized the demonstration, which drew hundreds of participants to the Manhattan offices of both Democratic senators. Activists accused the lawmakers of supporting Israel’s escalating military operations in Lebanon and the broader U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
When building security prevented protesters from conducting their planned sit-in inside the offices, demonstrators moved to the street where they blocked vehicular traffic. Participants chanted “fund people, not bombs” as officers placed them under arrest and transported them on three separate buses.
Notable individuals among the 90 people detained included whistleblower Chelsea Manning, actress Hari Nef, and New York City Council Member Alexa Avilés, a spokesperson for Jewish Voice for Peace confirmed.
The protest centered around legislative measures introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders that would prevent the sale of over $600 million worth of bombs to Israel.
Previous attempts by Sanders, a Vermont independent, to advance similar legislation have been unsuccessful. However, his latest effort during the summer months gained backing from more than half of the Democratic senators in response to widespread humanitarian concerns in Gaza. Neither Schumer nor Gillibrand supported those measures.
Monday’s demonstrators emphasized that Israel’s military campaign in southern Lebanon, combined with the expanded U.S.-Israeli operations against Iran, made the upcoming vote more critical. The Senate is expected to consider the resolution later this week.
“This is the moment when Schumer and Gillibrand must listen to their constituents,” stated Sonya Meyerson-Knox, communications director for Jewish Voice for Peace. “The majority of Americans and New Yorkers want a resolution to what the Israeli government is doing.”
Representatives for both Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand did not respond to requests for comment.
