Jewish Coloradan protesters ask Rep. Diana Degette to support Israel-Palestinian ceasefire bill

A peaceful protest led by the Jewish Voice for Peace and IfNotNow, American Jewish groups, took place Thursday afternoon near 600 Grant Street, right outside of Colorado U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette's office.

The dozens who rallied called for DeGette to support the ceasefire resolution bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Cori Bush, which is a call for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Israel and Palestine.

Together, many chanted, sang songs and prayed.

Evan Weissman, a member of Jewish Voice for Peace and IfNotNow, says it's important to hold local leaders accountable. 

"We had people meet with her yesterday and some are meeting today," Weissman said. "So far she says she's looking into it, but she's not sure. That's why we are calling on her to say, 'you need to do this!'"

They stood in solidarity with their Palestinian brothers and sisters and joined hundreds of protesters who demonstrated on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. and occupied part of a Congressional office building Wednesday, urging lawmakers and the Biden administration to push for a cease-fire in Gaza, which has been under Israeli airstrikes since a deadly Hamas terror attack.

Nate Marsh, a volunteer for the event says standing with them speaks volumes.

"Due to the urgency of Palestinians' lives being lost and their voices crying out, our Jewish values and history have compelled us to come out today and demand urgency that she signed the bill to stop the killing as soon as possible," said Marsh. 

The death toll continues to rise in Gaza as well as the war rages.

Thousands have died since Oct. 7, including children and elderly people. Over 1,400 Israelis and over 4,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to health officials in Israel and Gaza.

"What I am here for is the shared safety security and liberation for all which starts with the Palestinian people who are getting killed right now," said Marsh.

The group shares it will continue its efforts to urge local leaders to stand for peace.