Pro-Palestinian protesters call for ceasefire in Gaza as VP Kamala Harris visits Boston
BOSTON - Hundreds of protesters faced a wall of Boston Police Special Operations behind a barricade at Washington and Boylston streets Thursday. The road was lined with police motorcycles.
Vice President Kamala Harris was in Boston with Pipefitters Local 537 to promote unions and apprenticeship programs before heading to a fundraiser at the Ritz-Carlton. Demonstrators were calling on her to push for a ceasefire in Gaza. The crowd chanted loudly. "Israel bombs, USA pays. How many kids did you kill today?"
The large demonstration was organized by the Massachusetts Peace Action. Some protesters held "wanted" signs with the vice president's face on them.
A group of pro-Israeli protesters were also outside the hotel, along with a large police presence. Boston police said two people were arrested at the protest for resisting arrest and trespassing. Cambridge man Jeremy Rykner said he wanted to show the protesters and the vice president he stands with Israel. "To show them that we appreciate their support and we want their continued support because we have the same values…humanitarian values," he said.
But across the street an opposing group chanted "never again is now!" They were also Jewish protesters, with a very different viewpoint. "They are seeing that people are very angry and an election's coming up next year, yes I think they will hear us," said Eli Gerzon.
"My voice is almost gone," said Maggie Fuentes. "But I'm still going to continue to scream. Those kids need us, the women and the men in Palestine need us."
Earlier Thursday, it was announced that Israel has agreed daily four-hour humanitarian pauses in the fighting in northern Gaza. An Israeli official said the pauses are meant to allow people in Gaza to move south and get food and medicine.
The Israeli prime minister's office said that despite the pauses, "The fighting continues and there will be no ceasefire without the release of our hostages."
Israel has faced global pressure to improve conditions for Palestinian civilians in Gaza where there is a shortage of water, shelter and medical supplies. Israel has been fighting Hamas in Gaza since the surprise attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7.
The poet Rupi Kaur declined an invitation to the White House's Diwali celebration, hosted by Harris on Wednesday, over the Biden administration's continued support for Israel.
In a recent interview on "60 Minutes," Harris said the administration is focused on keeping the war from escalating in the region.
