Welcome to Democracy Now!, where we bring you the latest updates on global issues. In a recent protest outside the New York Stock Exchange, over 200 Jewish activists and allies were arrested for demanding an Israeli arms embargo and an end to war profiteering by companies like Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. The protest, organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, was described as the largest act of civil disobedience in history outside the NYSE.
The demonstrators, including descendants of Holocaust survivors and prominent artists and activists, were calling attention to the U.S.’s role in arming Israel and profiting from the ongoing violence in Gaza. Elena Stein, the director of organizing and strategy for Jewish Voice for Peace, was among those arrested and held for eight hours.
Speaking out against the U.S. financial support of Israel, Stein highlighted the billions of taxpayer dollars sent annually to the Israeli military, which ultimately benefit U.S. defense contractors. The protest aimed to challenge the Biden administration’s justification for arming Israel and shed light on the profits made by companies like Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.
Despite facing resistance from the government, the protesters remain steadfast in their mission to stop arming Israel and advocate for justice and equality. With inspiring voices like Elena Stein leading the charge, the movement continues to fight for a more peaceful and just world.