Dozens arrested as protesters demand Schumer and Gillibrand block sale of bombs to Israel

NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly 100 protesters were arrested Monday during a demonstration calling on Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand to block the sale of thousands of U.S. bombs to Israel.

The crowd of hundreds, led by the anti-war group Jewish Voice for Peace, initially tried to stage a sit-in at the Manhattan offices of two Democratic lawmakers they accused of abetting. Israeli attacks in Lebanon intensify And US-Israel war against Iran.

After the demonstrators were prevented from entering the building by security, they stopped traffic outside and chanted “fund people, not bombs” before they were arrested and put on three buses.

There was also an informer among the 90 people detained Chelsea Manningactor Hari Nef and New York City Councilwoman Alexa Avilés, according to a JVP spokesperson.

The show focused on: resolution set A bill from Senator Bernie Sanders that would block the sale of more than $600 million worth of bombs to Israel.

Similar measures previously introduced by independent Sanders of Vermont have failed. But the most recent effort, which took place last summer, had the support of more than half of Senate Democrats. Widespread hunger and suffering in Gaza. Schumer and Gillibrand were not among them.

Protesters on Monday said Israel’s air and ground offensive in southern Lebanon, as well as the larger U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, increased the urgency of the vote, which is expected to be held later this week.

“This is the moment when Schumer and Gillibrand need to listen to their voters,” said Sonya Meyerson-Knox, communications director for the Jewish Voice of Peace. “The majority of Americans and New Yorkers want solutions to the actions of the Israeli government.”

Inquiries to Schumer and Gillibrand were not immediately responded to.