St. Paul, MN – More than 100 people joined a vigil and protest here, Nov. 21, to speak out against the Israeli attack on Gaza. Participants lined the sidewalks of the Lake Street/Marshall Avenue Bridge, which connects Minneapolis and Saint Paul, during rush-hour traffic, creating a highly visible statement against the attack on Gaza.

The event called for an end to the Israeli attack on Gaza and for an end to U.S. military aid to the Israeli government. News reports indicate that 100 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli attacks on Gaza. Hundreds have been injured. The dead and injured include children.

A statement issued by organizers says in part, “Israel started ‘Operation Pillar of Cloud’, a new war on Gaza, one week ago. The Israel Defense Force (IDF) has declared that all options are on the table and that they are ready for a ground operation.” The organizers’ statement went on to say, “Operation Pillar of Cloud – like previous attacks on Gaza – will target and kill many civilians.”

In a frank admission to the press, Israel’s Deputy Prime Minister Eli Yishai said, “The goal of the operation is to send Gaza back to the Middle Ages.”

The U.S. government has supported the Israeli actions in Gaza. From 2009 to 2018, the U.S. is scheduled to give Israel – the largest recipient of U.S. assistance – $30 billion in military aid.

“U.S. tax dollars are paying for this attack on Palestinian civilians. We call for an end to U.S. military aid to Israel,” said the statement issued by the Nov. 21 protest organizers.

Anh Pham, one of the anti-war activists raided by the FBI in 2010, spoke at the end of the event and urged participants to stand with Palestine.

Every Wednesday afternoon, a peace vigil is held on the Lake Street/Marshall Avenue Bridge, which spans the Mississippi River. The weekly event often focuses on specific attacks, such as the current attacks on Gaza. The sponsors include Twin Cities Peace Campaign and Women Against Military Madness. The Nov. 21 event, with a focus on opposing the war on Gaza, was co-sponsored by the Anti-War Committee.

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