Last Monday, I joined a coalition of faith-related organizations in protest against Christians United for Israel (CUFI)’s annual convention held at the Gaylord Resort on the National Harbor. It was organized by Christians for a Free Palestine, Jewish Voice for Peace, Rabbis for Ceasefire, and other groups listed below.
It was a quite unconventional march; while walking towards the Gaylord, we softly sang songs of liberation. The energy was different from other protests I’ve been to recently – it was much more somber, as if we were holding a vigil for the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who have been murdered by the Israel and the United States in the last two years.
That being said, the crowd was still energized enough to take the intersection in front of the Gaylord.
Once the threat of the police arresting us became too high however, we moved back to the dedicated “free speech zone,” the only place near the Gaylord where the police allowed us to practice our first amendment rights. If we were to step a foot closer, even to the sidewalk, they would tell us we were “obstructing” and risking arrest.
Fortunately, the action ended safely and we were all able to disperse without any trouble. In the meanwhile however, brave protestors were able to sneak into the Gaylord and unfurl banners.
Stay tuned to this blog for information on upcoming protests in the DC area.
Related Links:
Photos of the march by Bill Lee Photography
List of Organizations:
Interfaith Action for Palestine
PEOPLE BETWEEN WORLDS 
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