Pittsburg, PA – Ten students at Pittsburgh's Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) are facing repression from campus authorities, after displaying messages in solidarity with Palestine on the campus's so-called “free speech fence.”

The Fence is a landmark of CMU's campus, which the university describes as “a student-centered space for free expression and community.” According to school policy, students are permitted to paint the Fence however they like, yet this past summer a cohort of anti-Zionist students discovered a very specific boundary around what speech the administration deems free.

Between June 9 and July 4 this summer, a series of anti-Zionist messages painted on the Fence provoked escalating censorship by campus administration. These paintings included slogans like: “75 years of apartheid, 56 years of occupation, 16 years of blockade,” “Forcing ideological conformity (Zionism) on Jews is antisemitic – free Palestine,” “Anti-Zionism ≠ antisemitism” and “Death to Zionism” (written in Yiddish)

Most telling was the July 3 painting, which read “Multiple choice: which will they censor? Death to: fascism, apartheid, Zionism, colonialism, racism.” A question which the administration answered by covering only the word “Zionism” the following day.

In an attempt to silence anti-Zionist sentiments among the student body, the CMU opened Title VI investigations into ten of the students believed to have been responsible for the series of paintings. This grossly stretches the definition of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which protects against discrimination “on the ground of race, color, or national origin,” not adherence to genocidal political ideologies.

Rather than accepting this repression, the suspected students are working with Palestine Legal to challenge the administration's actions, as well as activist groups like Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) and the International Solidarity Committee of Pittsburgh (ISCPIT) to build popular support within the city.

In response to this blatant attack on free speech, ISCPIT Chair Dot Bodwell addressed administration, saying, “Like it or not, you have an obligation to these students. Plenty of them are paying an arm and a leg to attend CMU, and they get a voice on campus. You can't get in the way of that.”

At time of writing, JVP is circulating a petition calling on the university to drop the Title VI investigations against these ten students and end the censorship of pro-Palestinian messaging.

Rosalyn Tosh, one of the students under disciplinary investigation, defended the paintings, saying, “In censoring our fence paintings, Carnegie Mellon is showing it is more concerned about the possibility people find the language we use offensive than the reality of Zionism’s genocidal violence. We won’t stop drawing attention to this reality and protesting CMU's complicity in it.”

CMU administration released a statement attempting to justify their actions, in which they baselessly liken anti-Zionist fence painting to the 2018 shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue, where 11 people were murdered in an antisemitic hate crime. The statement claims that the fence painters, some of whom are themselves Jewish, “threatened to create a hostile environment for members of our Jewish community, and increasingly undermined, rather than promoted, constructive dialogue.”

Incidentally, the final Fence painting, in response to which the administration launched its Title VI investigations, read, “21,000+ children murdered due to Zionism – who are the ones inciting violence here?”

CMU is thoroughly complicit in the genocide of the Palestinian people, as the university regularly hosts “defense” industry companies, which recruit engineering students directly into the military industrial complex. This complicity has long been the target of protest from students, such as when CMU hosted defense and ICE contractor Palantir in February this past year.

#PittsburghPA #PA #StudentMovement #AntiWarMovement

Ladson, SC – On Tuesday, August 11, more than two dozen community members joined the Elbit Out of South Carolina (EOSC) coalition’s first mass rally outside Elbit Systems of America in Ladson since the arrest of three picketers, collectively known as the Ladson 3.

The rally began with a reading of a speech written by Haley Sabados, a member of the Ladson 3, who has been barred from the premises of Elbit since her arrest and is actively fighting her trespassing charge.

The message from Sabados stated, “While sitting in state-detention for 19 hours, I reflected on this coalition and what we are building and struggling towards. How this community is showing up for one another and the people of Palestine. Your support and dedication is what liberation feels like.”

While the first EOSC rally demanding justice for the Ladson 3 was held in a location where all three arrested picketers could attend, the decision to return to Elbit was a conscious one.

“We’re out here tonight in front of Elbit because we stand in solidarity with the Ladson 3 and we refuse to be intimidated by off-duty North Charleston police officers working as security for a war profiteer,” said Nate Hubler, a member of EOSC and the Lowcountry Action Committee. “Their repression is not going to stop us from being out here and forcing Elbit employees and contractors to reckon with the death and destruction they are causing.”

Despite the picket being held in the evening, one employee left the facility to a chorus of boos from the crowd and one semi-trailer with a delivery was welcomed with chants of “Elbit, Elbit you will see! We’ll kick you out of SC!”

Many of the speakers reflected on the words and life of Anas Al-Sharif, a Palestinian journalist who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in a tent outside the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City a year ago on August 10. Gia Ellis, an organizer with Free Palestine Charleston, read from Al-Sharif’s will, “I entrust you not to let chains silence you, nor borders restrain you. Be the bridges toward the liberation of the land and the people, until the sun of dignity and freedom rises over our stolen homeland.” They went on to say, “We take this charge seriously and it’s why we’ll continue to organize against Elbit until this factory is shut down. Gaza is our compass.”

The EOSC coalition has been picketing in front of the Israeli-owned weapons manufacturer every week since for months. The crowd chanted “Elbit, Elbit your hands are red! Two hundred thousand dead!” as passing cars honked in solidarity and flyers were handed out to cars parked at the traffic light. As the rally ended, attendees were asked to attend the upcoming EOSC community meeting on August 15.

#LadsonSC #Ladson #SC #Palestine #Antiwarmovement #EOS

New Orleans, LA – On the evening of Friday, August 7, around 30 people gathered at the downtown Hilton hotel to protest the local Democratic Party’s decision to platform Vice President Kamala Harris. Protesters demanded that Harris take a stance against the genocide in Palestine that started under her administration.

New Orleans Stop Helping Israel’s Ports (NOSHIP) led the noise demonstration, confronting wealthy donors to the Louisiana Democratic Party, which charged up to $10,000 to attend their “Masquerade Sneaker Ball.”

“While your constituents were begging for you to condemn the genocide in Gaza and end aid to Israel, you ignored them,” Miriam Lovelace, a member of NOSHIP, declared. For Lovelace, and everyone else present, Harris and the Democratic Party’s role in the genocide already doomed her chances, but her inability to meet the material needs of the people were evident as well.

“Your stance on Gaza lost my vote, but I think a lot of people just wanted a little hope for a better future, of which you offered none. Just snarky one-liners and a Dick Cheney endorsement,” Lovelace said.

Before the demonstration, NOSHIP issued three demands of Vice President Harris: arms embargo on Israel; end all U.S. aid to Israel, and, stop the U.S./Israeli enocide in Gaza. Kamala Harris failed to endorse those positions.

Rosalina Framboise, speaking on behalf of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, criticized Vice President Harris for her role in the genocide. “Kamala Harris and Joe Biden not only ‘stood back’ and ‘stood by’ as Israel conducted a live-streamed genocide of the Palestinian people, but they have actively aided and abetted this carnage by sending billions of dollars to Israel.”

Throughout the evening, protesters were joined by supportive hotel guests who came down to hold signs and chant, hospitality workers and taxi drivers who waved and honked in support, and cyclists who rang their bells. Even the occasional fundraiser participant was sympathetic to the cause, raising their fists in solidarity or approaching to inquire about the cause.

NOSHIP members observed that this was the very same hotel and venue where they were thrown out earlier this year for demanding that the DNC and their Chairperson Ken Martin release the election autopsy report.

“The 2024 DNC postmortem told us something we already knew, that Harris’s complicity and backing of the genocide in Gaza was a major factor contributing to her loss,” Lovelace added.

Demonstrators also condemned both U.S. Representative Troy Carter and Mayor Helena Moreno for their inaction when anti genocide activists tried to stop shipments of arms from the Port of New Orleans. Other speakers invoked the name of Tawfic Abdel Jabbar, of nearby Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. Jabbar was the first American killed in the occupied West Bank since October 7, 2023. There was complete silence from the local Democratic Party around his death.

Closing out her speech, Lovelace concluded, “To Kamala Harris, to Ken Martin, to Troy Carter, and every other politician who wants the support of the people, we demand you call for an end to all U.S aid to Israel. We demand you call for an arms embargo on Israel and a stop to the U.S.-Israeli genocide in Palestine.”

#NewOrleansLA #LA #AntiWarMovement #Palestine #KamalaHarris #NOSHIP

Jacksonville, FL – On Wednesday, August 5, Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network held their first class in a series of free educational sessions, inspired by the popular education that arose as a form of resistance in the First Intifada.

Approximately 30 community members attended this teach-in to learn about the phases and effects of the First and Second Intifada, and the history of popular education in Palestine, which was necessitated by the closing of schools by Israeli occupying forces.

Attendees were provided with literature, including a collection of excerpts outlining the origin and revolutionary nature of education in Palestine. During breakout sessions groups were provided with different topics to discuss and present to the class. The conclusion drawn by each group during discussion was abundantly clear – regardless of the force exerted upon them, Palestinians will always remain resilient, and each attack by the enemy only hardens their resolve.

“We see another example of repression just breeding more resistance. Kicking people out of schools simply created another opportunity for Palestinians to root themselves in their identities and open another avenue of resistance,” stated Lindsay Bowyer of the Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network.

“It caused education to seep into other areas of the resistance. They responded more fired up because of these policies,” said another attendee.

#JacksonvilleFL #FL #AntiWarMovement #Palestine

Chicago, IL – On Sunday, July 26, over 100 Chicagoans gathered downtown at the Philippine Consulate for the annual People’s State of the Nation Address (PSONA) to demand accountability and transparency from the Filipino government, an immediate end to political repression and forced migration, and funding for essential services like jobs, education, healthcare and food.

PSONA is held by Filipino organizations to protest President Bongbong Marcos’ yearly State of the Nation address, which is rife with imperialist and pro-U.S. propaganda. The world that the Filipino people are living in is nothing like the one Marcos describes.

A member of Anakbayan Metro Detroit said Marcos’ words “could not be any more contradictory to the actions he took during his administration,” and noted that “during Marcos’ regime, July 2022 to June 2026, there have been 147 extrajudicial killings. 52 of those killings took place on Negros Island alone.”

Among demands was justice for the Negros 19, a group of 19 activists who were executed by the Marcos regime this past April. Two of the victims were minors.

“Marcos commended the AFP following the Negros 19 massacre, calling it a ‘job well done,’” said a member of Anakbayan. “Because Bongbong enabled the rapid militarization of the countryside, and let the Balikatan exercises continue in the region, residents are actively being displaced; over 650 people in Negros alone. Shame!”

The violence inflicted by the Marcos regime comes in many forms, including lack of funding for vital services like healthcare. “Currently, the state of the Filipino healthcare system is dire. People die of preventable and curable diseases. And even though the Philippines is known for exporting nurses abroad, the nursing shortage in the country is severe, with one nurse assigned to as many as 60 people,” said a member of Kalusugan at Kalikasan ng Bayan.

Many speakers also denounced Pax Silica, a U.S.-engineered global AI supply chain initiative designed to assert Western hegemony over critical minerals used to power AI.

A member of the Chicago Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines stated that “although Pax Silica and the critical minerals pact are framed as economic initiatives, we must see the truth of the U.S. and the Philippines’ violence and greed. While they cling to the veneer of neoliberal globalization and ‘free’ markets, and with new AI toys in hand, they double down on military force and subjugation.”

A member of Kabataan Alliance – Midwest spoke further to the exploitation of natural resources of the Philippines at the expense of its environment and infrastructure, stating that Marcos’ sham investigations into flood control projects allow “corrupt officials to continue to roam free and steal our money and resources, contributing to the suffering of the people.”

Though Marcos’ address is a horrifying reminder that the Filipino people are fighting for their lives, a member of Tanggol Migrante spoke to the determination of Filipinos in the fight for their freedom. “As a people torn from our homeland, we will not back down and we link arms with all Filipinos all over the world to fight wherever we are, and even go back home to serve our people. We will have a better future and world for all of us, where genuine freedom is not just an inspiration but is a reality for each and every one of us.”

#ChicagoIL #IL #International #Philippines #AntiWarMovement

Salt Lake City, UT – On Tuesday, August 4, members of the Utah Anti-War Committee packed the public comment held by the Salt Lake County Council. Activists demanded the county use eminent domain to remove the Raytheon Applied Signal Technologies weapons facility and build public housing in place of the existing building.

As a result of packing the council meeting, the Raytheon Out campaign won an official response from Salt Lake County Council Member Jiro Johnson, and a tentative meeting on opposing the facility. Activists held signs reading “Raytheon out of Salt Lake! Use eminent domain now!”

Sebastian Miscenich of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization told council members, “Raytheon weapons have been used in war crimes worldwide, including recently in Iran. Salt Lake County is part of that supply chain. We say that we’re a state that cares about family values, but how does that say family values if we have a weapons facility that’s involved in making software for Tomahawk missiles that killed 123 kids for Trump’s unpopular war against Iran?”

Next to speak was Nova Morra of the UAWC, “It goes against my family values and my Christian upbringing to allow any of my neighbors to participate in the killing of children abroad, regardless of boundaries.”

A local pro-Palestine activist, Janna Clyne, delivered a poem during public comment, in addition to condemning war profiteers, “We wake up and breath the smoggy air, and this world is owned by billionaires. I’m supposed to walk around and pretend like everything is fine, but in the back of my mind, all I think about is Palestine.”

The last speaker for the UAWC, Amber Grace, said, “We have fallen into antidemocratic corruption by the military industrial complex, which lobbies our elected officials, bypasses the consent of our people, and invents new wars and propaganda so they can launch missiles and drop bombs using technology developed here in Utah and profit off of it.”

#SaltLakeCityUT #UT #AntiWarMovement #UAWC

Kent, WA – On Friday, July 31, 12 anti-war activists held an action at U.S. Representative Adam Smith’s district office to demand that he take material action to stop funding wars and to cut ties with Israel. Smith is behind the House of Representatives’ most recent National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) containing Section 219, which formally integrates the U.S. and the Israeli militaries.

This protest comes after Smith’s symbolic vote against the NDAA, a war funding bill he co-authored and co-sponsored. Activists emphasized that Representative Smith’s so-called “doomed-to-fail” vote is nothing more than an attempt to deceive nearly 800,000 voters ahead of a critical election into believing that he is against funding Israel and the Iran War.

Two activists attempted to deliver Seattle Against War’s petition to the office. When they arrived, the office appeared to be closed, which is unusual for a public office during office hours. The petition, with over 1400 signatures from community members, demands that Smith use his powers as Congressman and ranking member of the Armed Services Committee to take action to end all aid to Israel, end the war in Iran, and hold U.S. and Israel accountable for war crimes.

Other activists joined the petition deliverers inside the building and brought the rally to Smith’s office doorstep. Rae Lee, a member of Seattle Against War stated, “He performs support for queer communities as a clear pinkwashing tactic to paint a picture of himself as an ally. That is fucking gross, and we need to call it out when we see it. He uses BIPOC communities as PR opportunities, the pittances he leaks to struggling grassroots groups to divert our attention away from the literal billions being used for senseless wars.

Section 219, which protesters are calling attention to, enables Israel’s unfettered use of U.S. military resources, including a permanent Pentagon position to synchronize Israeli and U.S. military initiatives, an open-ended technology deal, and the ability to deploy U.S. troops to carry out their genocide against Palestinians.

Protesters then canvassed and distributed flyers at the neighboring offices in the building to raise awareness of Smith’s crimes and his recent attempt to merge the U.S. and Israeli militaries, until they were escorted by building security.

The rally continued outside the building, where activists continued to amplify demands and slogans such as “No war in Iran” and “Stop funding Israel.”

#KentWA #SeattleWA #WA #AntiWarMovement #Palestine #AdamSmith

Portland, OR – Portland for Palestine (P4P) gathered in the late morning of Sunday, July 19, along Natio Parkway in Portland to join in celebrating queerness during Portland’s Pride parade, and to name and shame parade contingents who participate and enable Israel’s occupation and genocide in Palestine.

The parade was marshaled by Dykes on Bikes, throwing their choppers into full throttle to rapturous applause. As the parade contingents passed by the Portland for Palestine group, they were greeted with the message of “Happy Pride and free Palestine,” which was mostly met with joyful solidarity.

But as the grocery store corporation Fred Meyer began crossing onto SW Ankeny Street, P4P began chanting, “Fred Meyer out of pride! You retail a genocide.” P4P organizer Judas Graves took to the megaphone, shaming Fred Meyer for actively promoting the Israeli fizz-baron SodaStream and for profiting off retail goods produced in illegal settlements.

As the parade moved onward, airlines, retailers and banks all caught condemnation for continuing their operations in the apartheid state. Nike, Columbia Sportswear, Daimler, Marriott, Jacobs Solutions, and JPMorgan Chase were all highlighted.

It’s been a longtime criticism of Pride events that corporate participation dilutes the original message of queer visibility and liberation. Many spectators joined in the public shaming, echoing “Free, free Palestine” on both sides of the street. Many were shocked to learn just how complicit these companies are; “That’s so fucked” yelled one young man covered in body glitter.

“I definitely feel conflicted,” said 24-year-old parade-goer Alexis Sonner, “I came out here today to be gay, look hot, and dance with my friends. The last thing I wanna do is validate JPMorgan.”

As queer folks in the United States face erosion of civil liberties and physical safety, it is abundantly clear that members of Portland for Palestine are far from the only people who want to see, not just Pride events, but everything divested from corporations and genocide.

#PortlandOR #OR #LGBTQ #AntiWarMovement #Palestine #P4P

Brooklyn, NY – On August 3, at 5:30 p.m., anti-war activists gathered outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, demanding freedom for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. This rally was part of a picket that takes place on the third day of every month, marking the anniversary of January 3 , when the United States bombed Venezuela and abducted the two political leaders.

The organizations in attendance, including Black Alliance for Peace NYC/NJ,Brooklyn Against War, Code Pink, and Workers World Party, have been on the front lines of the struggle to free Maduro and Flores for seven months.

Chants of “Free the prisoners, free them all! Free Maduro from these walls!” and “¡Cilia aguanta, el pueblo se levanta!” rang through the isolated area surrounding the prison.

Briony Smith, a member of Brooklyn Against War and the Anti War Action Network Steering Committee, stated, “Seven months since Maduro and Cilia were illegally kidnapped from Venezuela — say shame! Seven months that they’ve been imprisoned in the United States, right here in the MDC, awaiting a bogus trial of fabricated charges. Shame!”

Smith continued, “And one more time, you all have been out here every single month. You’ve been here through the freezing cold, through brutal heatwaves, in apocalyptic smoke. We have been outside the court in January, in March, and July despite the racist, reactionary gusanos who pretend to speak for the Venezuelan people.”

The rally ended with a short march around the federal prison buildings. Protesters are determined to continue the picket, which will take place again on September 3, and are prepared to mobilize for future court dates.

#BrooklynNY #NY #NYC #Maduro #CiliaFlores #AntiWarMovement #Venezuela

Salt Lake City, UT – On Friday, July 24, dozens of anti-war protesters picketed in front of the Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building in downtown Salt Lake City to protest U.S. aggression against Cuba and continued funding for Israel.

The protest was organized by community members in collaboration with the Utah Anti-War Committee, responding to call from the Anti-War Action Network for a Nation Week of Action for Cuba.

Braving scorching July heat, demonstrators held banners reading “Hands off Cuba!” and “End all U.S. aid to Israel!” and marched around the intersection in front of the federal building. Chants of, “Hands off Cuba, end the blockade!” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!” echoed across the busy downtown streets.

“We aren’t worried about the heat. We’re worried about standing up against Trump and Rubio’s latest threats against Cuba and holding it down for Palestine,” said Adam Koritz of the Utah Anti-War Committee.

After over an hour of the roving picket, Salt Lake City Police officers moved in and tried to isolate an anti-war protester who was on a bike, alleging that he was violating rules of the road. Outraged, the rest of the demonstrators quickly surrounded the cyclist and filmed the officers. Police backed off from the picket.

The anti-war picket completed several more rounds of marching around the intersection as the pair of officers looked on.

“The police who tried to silence our protest work for the same government attacking Cuba and Palestine,” said Sebastian Miscenich of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization. “We in Utah have more in common with people abroad fighting U.S. aggression than we do with the rulers of this country, whose police just tried to silence our voices.”

The protest coincided with the Pioneer Day celebrations, a local major holiday commemorating the arrival of Brigham Young and the first Latter-day Saint settlers to Utah. Passing motorists and revelers approved of the anti-war message, frequently honking and giving visible gestures of support.

Organizers urged the protesters to stay involved in the anti-war movement by joining the UAWC. Those opposed to U.S. wars should make plans to attend Salt Lake County Council at 2001 S State Street on Tuesday, August 4 at 1 p.m. to demand a resolution against Raytheon AST, a war-profiteering company for the U.S. and Israeli militaries, which has an office in Salt Lake City.

#SaltLakeCityUT #UT #AntiWarMovement #Palestine #Cuba #Raytheon

Minneapolis, MN: On July 30, 35 people protested at Loring Park in Minneapolis to demand an end to the U.S. oil blockade on Cuba. The protest was called by the MN Anti-War Committee (AWC) and Women Against Military Madness’ HOLA (Hands Off Latin America) Committee as a part of the Anti-War Action Network’s call for a week of action in solidarity with Cuba.

An increasing amount of international attention is focused on the consequences of President Trump’s tightened blockade on the island. Since the U.S. kidnapped Venezuelan President Maduro, the Trump administration has imposed a six-month-long U.S. oil blockade on the island, which is causing a humanitarian crisis. Electric water pumps frequently sit idle due to lack of power, leaving major cities like Havana struggling with running water. Hospitals and medical manufacturing have also slowed down due to the lack of electricity.

Ben Golden, an organizer with the MN Anti-War Committee, emceed the protest. He explained, “The U.S. has engineered a deadly economic crisis so that they can manufacture an excuse for regime change in Cuba, but we won’t stand for it! Warfare is not always waged in bombs and bullets, and the U.S. is waging a reprehensible war on Cuba in the form of this embargo. We are here to say that we stand with the sovereignty of the Cuban people; end the embargo, and down with the U.S. war machine!”

Sarah Martin, a founder of the Hands Off Latin America committee, was the first speaker at the protest. Martin has traveled on solidarity trips to Venezuela and Cuba, which are both being threatened by the Trump administration. She said, “Both countries, Cuba and Venezuela, asserted their sovereignty and independence and broke free from the hold of U.S. imperialism and began to build societies which put people first, especially the poor. The U.S. did not take kindly to this, and both countries have been in the crosshairs of the U.S. empire no matter what administration was in power.”

Martin concluded, “The peoples of both countries are resilient and committed to their revolutions. It is up to us in the belly of the beast to do everything we can to interfere with Trump and Rubio’s plans. So, we’re here today and we’ll continue to come out until the U.S. backs off and ends the war threats, ends the oil embargo, and ends the blockade on Cuba.”

During the protest, two banners were hung from the bridge from Loring Park to the Walker Art Center over Interstate 94 demanding “End the blockade on Cuba” and “Let Cuba live! End the embargo on Cuba!” Thousands of drivers saw the banners and honked and waved to show support.

#MinneapolisMN #MN #AntiWarMovement #Cuba

North Charleston, SC – On July 30, the Elbit Out of South Carolina (EOSC) coalition held a rally in Park Circle in response to the arrests of the coalition organizers collectively known as the Ladson 3. They demanded the North Charleston Police Department drop what EOSC believes to be trumped-up charges against the protesters. The group is pushing back against the political repression faced by activists in the Charleston area.

Haley Sabados was the sole member of the Ladson 3 who was held overnight at the Charleston County Detention Center. She described the arrests as part of a pattern of “rogue and egregious” behavior on the part of North Charleston Police Department (NCPD), whose officers are hired by the Israeli-owned weapons manufacturer, Elbit Systems, to work security in front of the Ladson, South Carolina facility. The facility has been in operation since 2023; EOSC formed in 2024 and has been picketing in front of the business every week since. Since they started picketing, NCPD has arrested five of their members.

“I am not intimidated, because protesting is not a crime,” Sabados said. “Protesting my city's direct involvement in weapons manufacturing, with my tax dollars, used in genocide is not a crime. Elbit out of South Carolina and Free Palestine!”

Last year Palestine solidarity activist Matthew Colburn was arrested on the picket line on misdemeanor charges, which the coalition took to trial and won a not guilty verdict, due to a lack of evidence.

Regarding the arrest of the Ladson 3, Colburn said NCPD chose to press charges they know won’t hold up in court. “This is NCPD deciding to escalate, and it might be a misdemeanor, but that doesn’t matter, because a weekend in jail is enough to [mess] a working-class person’s life up.” He went on to describe how these charges are a waste of city and county resources.

“Eblit is subsidized by the tax dollar. They use tax dollars to pay NCPD who’s double dipping, who also get paid by your tax dollar on their regular wages,” he said, “Then they come off duty and get your other tax dollars from Elbit and then they waste those tax dollars taking people to court knowing those charges won’t stick to intimidate us.”

It was disclosed by a member of NCPD under oath at Matt Colburn's 2025 trial that NCPD officers were being paid $60 per hour to work security at Elbit. Organizers have since called out what they believe to be a conflict of interest.

Organizers with the EOSC chose the Circle Park Pavilion in North Charleston as the location for the rally instead of the Elbit facility, because one of the Ladson 3 is facing trespassing charges. Before the rally began, a park employee attempted to halt the event and insisted a permit was required, despite also admitting the park was public property. She threatened to call NCPD on the demonstrators, but organizers were not deterred. They proceeded with the rally, which ended with a march around the pavilion.

They chanted “Justice for the Ladson 3! Palestine will be free!” as passing cars honked in solidarity and families from the adjacent playground joined in the march. They finished the event by asking the crowd to pack the courthouse for the Ladson 3 later in August.

#NorthCharlestonSC #SC #AntiWarMovement #InJusticeSystem #PoliticalRepression #Elbit #EOSC

Braddock, PA – On Sunday, July 26, the International Solidarity Committee of Pittsburgh (ISCPIT) gathered outside John Fetterman's home in Braddock, Pennsylvania to protest the Senator's support of the Trump administration's increased sanctions on Cuba. This protest was held as part of the Anti-War Action Network's week of action marking Cuba’s National Rebellion Day.

Organizers and attendees chanted, held signs and spoke on a variety of issues that Senator Fetterman has been on the wrong side of, focusing on his vote in April to uphold the Trump administration's ramping up sanctions on Cuba. “Let the people of Cuba live” was shouted by attendees, as passersby joined in or honked in approval.

Since April, Fetterman has increased his violent political rhetoric. Last week, the Senator went on Fox News to say he “will always be the last man standing within the Democratic caucus in the Senate that's unapologetically standing for Israel.”

This week, faced with criticism from those he represents, Senator Fetterman posted to Twitter “Israel keeps killing Hamas members. @DemSocialists, cry harder.” This mirrors his in-person bravado quite well, as he briefly locked eyes with a chanting organizer from behind his curtains before quickly disappearing from sight and calling his private security team, who arrived within minutes to ensure protesters stayed on the “correct” part of the public sidewalk.

Recent polling shows that fewer than one in five Pennsylvania Democrats hold a positive view of Senator Fetterman's job performance.

Protest organizer Marigold Cameron of ISCPIT and FRSO stated, “Fetterman won't fight for us, so it's up to us to fight for ourselves, to say no to blockade on Cuba, no to war in Iran.”

The messaging of the day was clear: The people of the world have a right to live outside the whims of United States demagogues. Cuba is under attack by the U.S.and if politicians won't end the violence, activists will step in to fight for freedom and justice.

#PittsburghPA #PA #AntiWarMovement #Cuba #AntiWarActionNetwork

Milwaukee, WI – On Sunday, July 26, the Milwaukee Anti-war Committee (MAC) held a protest near the Milwaukee lakefront against the Milwaukee Air & Water Show. Every year, the Air & Water Show trots out the same models of U.S. Air Force planes used to carry out the U.S.’s illegal and unpopular wars. Though marketed as a “family-friendly” event, it is filled with military propaganda. Military recruiter booths line the grounds each year as fighter jets tear through the sky.

This was MAC’s fourth time protesting the Air & Water Show, but the first iteration of the “Peace Parade,” featuring handmade puppets of U.S. President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden.

Over 30 attendees gathered at the North Point Water Tower at noon as the Air & Water Show was set to begin. A big banner reading “War is not family friendly! U.S. military out of Milwaukee!” was unfurled, while other people in the crowd held signs reading “I won’t glorify war” and “No war on Iran.” They flew Venezuelan, Palestinian, and other flags of nations targeted by the U.S. war machine. The puppets of Trump and Biden featured prominently, with large heads and hands dripping with blood.

The protesters walked along the sidewalk, chanting “Air Show, Air Show, you can’t hide, you’re promoting genocide!” as they followed the busy street of North Avenue, where many cars passed by and honked their support.

MAC member Sara Kraco told the crowd, “How many of us are drowning in student debt? Medical debt? How many of us had to decide between groceries and medicine? How dare our government charge us so much for life-saving medications such as inhalers or insulin, and turn around and burn up our tax dollars by flying these warplanes around us?” Kraco said, the crowd yelling “Shame!” in response.

Kraco continued, “We forget too, as we sit here comfortably on the lakefront in awe of the maneuvers and speed, that they’re just that, warplanes. Used in countries worldwide such as Iraq, Cuba, Venezuela, Palestine, and now Iran. These planes regularly deploy drone strikes and drop bombs on civilians, always under the guise of fighting terror – but we know the United States military is the real terrorist. Regularly committing war crimes as hospitals, schools, universities, water systems, bridges, public transportation, power plants and homes are indiscriminately targeted. Beautiful ecosystems, cultures older than ours, destroyed without care.”

The people in Milwaukee and elsewhere around the world are linked, and so long as the people do not see peace, the Air & Water Show will not either.

#MilwaukeeWI #WI #AntiWarMovement #PeoplesStruggles

Ladson, SC – On Tuesday, July 28, during the Elbit Out of South Carolina’s (EOSC) weekly picket in front of the local Israeli-owned weapons manufacturer, Elbit Systems of America, three picketers, collectively known as the Ladson 3, were arrested by off-duty North Charleston Police Department (NCPD) on misdemeanor charges. One picketer spent the night in Al Cannon Detention Center.

“Officer Kramer and all the NCPD officers, being paid $60 per hour by Elbit Systems, have a long history of lying about the behavior of picketers and ignoring the crimes of Elbit workers,” said Collin Holloway, one of the Ladson 3. “I was issued a speeding ticket while I was a pedestrian and then arrested. It just goes to show the absurd lengths they will go to while working as mercenaries for a company complicit in genocide.”

The EOSC coalition has held weekly pickets outside of Elbit systems in Ladson for over two years now and this is the fifth arrest NCPD has made against picketers in that time. In August 2025, picketer Matt Colburn, an organizer with the Lowcountry Action Committee, was arrested and charged with damage to a vehicle for allegedly striking an Elbit workers car with a Palestinian flag. He was later found not guilty of the charges, as no evidence of damage to the car was presented by NCPD, despite that being a key requirement of the charge.

“Elbit uses taxpayer money to rent NCPD officers for 60 dollars an hour to intimidate, harass and arrest picketers on bogus charges. All in defense of genocide,” Colburn said. “The North Charleston Police Department is complicit in the ongoing genocide and war crimes and have blood on their hands. We will not let these war criminals intimidate us.”

Despite these recent arrests, EOSC says it will not be deterred and that repression means they're having an impact.

“History repeats itself as those of us standing up for peace, life and humanity are targeted, harassed, repressed and arrested, while those who profit off killing and destruction, and those who protect them walk free,” said Autumn Waddell, an organizer with Free Palestine Charleston. “We will continue to fight until true justice is served and Elbit Systems Ladson factory is shut down permanently!”

A joint rally is being planned by EOSC coalition organizations a part of the coalition. The Ladson 3 all plan to plead not guilty and fight their charges.

#LadsonSC #SC #AntiWarMovement #Elbit #EOSC

Northampton, MA – On July 26, the River Valley Anti-War Committee (RAWC) called a rally to stand in solidarity with Cuba. The rally was held in Pulaski Park in downtown Northampton to demand the U.S. lift the blockade and for the Trump administration to cease its drive toward war with Cuba.

The rally was attended by over 30 community members holding signs reading “Cuba is not a threat” and “Stop the embargo.” A trio of teenage activists held a hand painted banner that proclaimed “Hands off Cuba! Break the blockade!” In between speakers, the attendees chanted, “Biggest threat in the world today? Donald Trump and the USA!” and “We want justice, you say how! Lift the blockade on Cuba now!” earning applause and cheers of encouragement from community members passing by the park on several occasions.

Aidan Mastroianni of RAWC opened the rally, “July 26 is widely considered the spark that began the Cuban revolution that would go on to topple the U.S.-backed dictatorship,” he said, detailing the importance of July 26 to the history of Cuba.

Mastroianni continued by denouncing the 100-page document recently published by the U.S. State Department titled “Cuba: The Capital of 21st Century Communism,” stating that this is “an attempt to fool the people of this country into supporting yet another illegal military intervention against a sovereign nation” and that it contains “mostly fantastical lies and outright projection.”

Sadie Ryan, a member of Mass Cuba Solidarity, talked about the declassified federal documents that clearly lay out the reasoning and tactics employed by the U.S. government when the blockade was first enacted.

“The most effective means of undermining the popular revolution was to isolate and suffocate the country,” said Ryan, quoting one of the many similar documents available to the public. “The strategy was clear: to tighten the noose around the Cuban people to deliberately produce hunger, desperation and overthrow of the government.”

“Why do we demonize the country that has uplifted and helped so many nations when inside the belly of the beast we are told to support only destruction?” asked Roman Handlen of the River Valley district of Freedom Road Socialist Organization, as he spoke about the tradition of internationalism upheld for generations by the people of Cuba. “Why was our government spending so much time, money and energy trying to destroy the Cuban people when America’s own people struggled in poverty?”

Handlen continued, contrasting how by 1960 the Cuban government had outlawed discrimination and institutional racism with the fact that Black Americans in the Black Belt south continued to suffer under Jim Crow laws.

Several speakers ended their speeches with calls to visit Cuba on one of the many solidarity brigades that make the trip yearly and to continue their solidarity work.

“The experience and perspective gained from traveling to Cuba is essential for us to continue to expand our advocacy and solidarity work here,” said Jaiden O’Kane of the River Valley Democratic Socialists of America. “Every conversation we start, every voice we amplify strengthens our solidarity and builds our movement.”

Aidan Mastroianni closed out the rally by echoing this call to visit Cuba stating, “See for yourself that they are not our enemy, see what kind of society they have built and how much of a lie the mainstream narrative we have been fed for decades is.”

#NorthamptonMA #MA #International #Cuba #AntiWarMovement

Garland, TX – On July 2, outside the Garland Chamber of Commerce meet and greet, the DFW Anti-War Committee held a protest to demand that Garland Independent School District (GISD) and Dallas College stop sending students to build bombs in the Paligen Technology factory.

The event was hosted at Tavern on the Square, the owner of which berated, threatened and called the police on protesters for writing chalk messages on the public sidewalk near his business. Messages included “Stop the bombs Garland,” “Stop partnering with Paligen” and “No to Garland students building bombs.” Police came and went without incident and the protest proceeded.

“We were able to have some really good conversations with people in Garland who were horrified to find out that schools are partnered with a place like Paligen that’s been involved in so many war crimes,” said Kai Leslie of DFW Anti-War Committee and Freedom Road Socialist Organization. The MK-84s produced by Paligen have been heavily used by Israel in the genocide in Palestine, including the bombing of a school that killed 65-year-old retired school principal Mohammad Eltif, along with over 100 others. Israel has also used Paligen’s MK-84 to bomb dozens of universities in Iran.

Regarding the private GROW networking event being protested, Kate Deremo of DFW Anti-War Committee explained, “This is one of Paligen Technologies opportunities to connect with the local business community. The Dallas County Manufacturers’ Association, which is a subset of the Chamber of Commerce, is the direct link between Paligen Technologies and GISD and Dallas College. Their membership in the DCMA is the driving factor in both their access to students as well as influence in educational programming.”

DAWC has standing plans to protest Dallas College board meetings to continue to pressure for Paligen to be dropped from all partnerships with schools and to end student involvement in building bombs at the facility. The next Dallas College protest will be at 4 p.m. on August 11 at Dallas College headquarters.

#GarlandTX #TX #AntiWarMovement #DAWC

New York City , NY – Early on the morning of Wednesday, July 22, dozens of anti-war activists and community members gathered facing the courthouse in downtown Manhattan for the federal hearing of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.

This was the third hearing after the abduction of Maduro and Flores from their home in Caracas on January 3. The Trump administration carried out a bombing campaign that killed around 80 people in their pursuit of the president and first lady. They were brought to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, where they are awaiting a sham trial.

The protest outside was organized by several organizations, many who have been on the frontlines of the struggle to free Maduro and Flores since January 3. The forces were Brooklyn Against War, Black Alliance for Peace, Workers World Party, Bronx Anti War, and Freedom Road Socialist Organization.

The rally began with chants such as, “We want justice, you say how? Free Maduro, free him now!” and “Donald Trump, you’re a liar! No more wars for empire!”

“President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores were kidnapped by Trump and the U.S. government after an illegal military invasion. They have committed no crime. We are here in NYC to oppose their kidnapping, detention and trial! They should be set free!” said Tom Burke, a longtime anti-war activist and organizational secretary for the Freedom Road Socialist Organization.

The chants and rallies continued, despite the small opposition forces trying to feebly out-chant the protest.

As the protest in New York was happening, there were concurrent protests all over Venezuela in support of their president and first lady.

The last speech was made by Briony Smith, a member of Brooklyn Against War and a steering committee member of the Anti-war Action Network, “It is not the will of the American people to invade foreign nations and capture their leaders, because it is not the American people who grow rich off their exploitation. Every day, more and more people in this country are realizing that we have more in common with the people of the Philippines, Palestine or Venezuela than we do with Congress, the White House, or Wall Street.”

Smith continued, “American imperialism is crumbling, while our movement is growing. President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores have done nothing wrong, and they will walk free! The sanctions on Venezuela will be lifted! The people will be victorious!”

The rally finished with a march and protesters are ready to gather for future hearings. The next seems to be set for November 17. The trial is officially set for June 2027, and activists are ready to hit the ground running to build the campaign to free Maduro and Flores.

#NewYorkCityNY #NY #NYC #AntiWarMovement #Venezuela #Maduro #CiliaFlores #Featured

Washington D.C. – On Sunday, July 19, close to 100 community members took to the streets to demand an end to the U.S. siege of Iran. The demonstration was organized by local D.C. group Anti-War Committee DMV and was attended by many from local mosques and Iranian communities who heard about the action.

The action began in front of the White House, where attendees began gathering to unravel their Iranian flags, and was the most noticeable presence on Pennsylvania Avenue that weekend. Organizers had announced the action only a couple days before, and immediately the Iranian communities of the D.C., Maryland and Virginia areas began mobilizing.

“U.S. imperialists – number one terrorists!” chanted Katie Sayour with the Anti-War Committee DMV, before addressing the crowd on the state of Trump’s aggression towards Iran. While on the mic, she was greeted with chants from the families who attended, expressing their enthusiasm to be fighting for Iran’s sovereignty.

Jennifer Koonings, a prominent anti-imperialist journalist, spoke about her most recent trip to Iran during the demonstration, “I was met with such love, the Iranian people were truly the most welcoming I have ever met.” She also spoke on the importance of those within the belly of the beast to be engaged in anti-imperialist struggle, “It’s especially our responsibility, as people in America, whose tax dollars are being used to fund the bombing of Iran.”

The strong sense of Iranian identity and faith was clear throughout the sentiments of the attendees. Mothers who were a part of the demonstration offered prayers, while attendees brought close to 50 Iranian flags. Many chants from the crowd were repeated in Farsi as well as English.

One agitator began shouting vulgar language about Iran. The crowd responded back with a united chant “Long live the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

The event concluded with organizers announcing the next event, which will be hosted in honor of the Shia holiday of Arbaʽeen. Organizers of the Anti-War Committee expressed that partaking in national, and faith, holidays that are of importance to the immigrant communities that make up D.C. is an important part of their political work.

#WashingtonDC #DC #AntiWarMovement #Iran

Minneapolis, MN – On Saturday, July 18 the Minnesota Anti-War Committee (AWC) held a protest at the intersection of University and Central Avenues at Chute Square Park. The committee demanded an immediate end to the U.S. war on Iran and Israel’s ongoing attacks and occupation of Lebanon. Over 50 community members and activists attended the action, holding signs, flags and banners to demonstrate solidarity with the people of Iran, Lebanon and Palestine. Commuters honked in support as they drove by, while passengers yelled “Free Palestine” out the window.

Since the signing of the U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding in June 2026, Israel has violated the shaky ceasefire agreement on a daily basis, leveling entire city blocks and killing thousands with impunity. According to organizers, Israel’s violence was the original impetus for this action – until early in the second week of July, when President Trump ordered U.S. escalations against Iran.

The U.S. launched multiple strikes across Iran, including near Qeshm Island, Jask, Sirik, and Bandar Abbas, allegedly because of strikes on commercial ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Iran struck U.S. military bases in the region – including UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain – and announced the closure of the strait. Now the U.S. has reinstated its “blockade of the blockade,” preventing ships from leaving Iran's ports

The Strait of Hormuz is responsible for allowing travel of around 20% of the world’s liquefied natural gas and oil trade. Closing it even for a day costs is expensive and severely limits global access to crucial energy. What seemed to be a war on the wane has restarted and once again threatens to throw the region into total chaos.

One of the emcees for the event was Yossi Aharoni, a Persian Jew and longtime member of the AWC. In a powerful opening speech, Yossi said, “I’m against this war not just because my tax dollars pay for it, I’m against it for the same reason that anyone with a heart and conscience is against it. This is an immoral, illegal war of aggression and it sickens me to my very core.”

The first speaker of the event was Lina Jebara, a Lebanese-American member of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network (USPCN). Jebara declared, “Israel has used the war on Iran as a smokescreen to expand the tactics it’s been using in its genocide of Palestine and Lebanon. Since the last ceasefire went into place, Israel has destroyed over ten thousand homes in Lebanon’s south and continues to target critical civilian infrastructure, razing all that it can. These acts of depravity seem to be devoid of any real strategic objective, seemingly more analogous to hapless flailing, and that’s because they are. The Israelis have failed to secure any tactical victories since the war on Iran began, and are now grasping for anything that can be framed as a victory for their own people who need to believe in an image of superiority to tolerate living in a land that is not their own.”

The last speaker for the day was Maamoun Slayhi of the Minnesota chapter of American Muslims for Palestine (AMP-MN). A Lebanese-American political organizer with nearly two decades of activism under his belt, Slayhi reflected on the devastation Israel and the U.S. have caused, saying, “More than 4100 people have been killed in Lebanon, and more than one million have been driven from their homes. In Iran, at least 3400 people have been murdered since this war started, 3.2 million people have been displaced, and renewed American strikes are killing more people again.“

Slayhi continued, “Behind every number is a mother, a father, a child, a paramedic, and a family whose home became a target. Neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble. Villages have been emptied. Hospitals, roads, homes, power systems, and water infrastructure have been damaged. The United States and Israel opened the war against Iran. Israel expanded its assault on Lebanon. Then Washington told us that every new strike was necessary because of the consequences of the previous strike. Different maps. Same empire. Same weapons.”

The action was endorsed by AMP-MN, Families Against Military Madness, Freedom Road Socialist Organization – Twin Cities, Free Palestine Coalition, Let Iran Live, Minnesota 50501, Minnesota Peace Action Coalition, and Women Against Military Madness.

#MinneapolisMN #MN #AntiWarMovement #MNAWC #AMPMN #WAMM #FAMM