Hundreds protest JNF Conference in Dallas, accusing organization of funding Gaza violence
DALLAS – Hundreds of pro-Palestine protesters marched to the Hilton Anatole in Dallas on Saturday to protest the Jewish National Fund (JNF) conference.
The protesters claim that the JNF, a Zionist nonprofit organization, is funding actions that result in the killing of tens of thousands of civilians in Gaza.
Protesters say they are against the JNF holding their Global Conference for Israel in Dallas this weekend. They marched through the streets of Dallas with police blocking off traffic along the way.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 42,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Israel began its war against Hamas after the Oct. 7 attacks.
"The JNF directly contributes to the genocide that we're seeing in Gaza right now, the genocide that we've been seeing for the past year," said Tori Ramirez, Party for Socialism and Liberation organizer.
"This conference has praised the bombardment in Gaza and they've been very clear that they intend to continue the ethnic cleansing of Palestine, so that's why people in Dallas are out here to say they are not welcome here," said Sumayyaah Hasan, Palestinian Youth Movement.
CBS News Texas reached out to JNF USA, which sent a statement that reads in part:
"We're aware of anti-American and anti-Israel protests in the area. However, we've been overwhelmed by the love and support of the Dallas community, who have come out in full force to attend our sold-out Global Conference for Israel."
Protest organizers say they plan to protest the conference throughout the weekend in Dallas.