Alex Darocy Photography

On August 4, activists in downtown Santa Cruz staged a second die-in as part of their ongoing protest of Israel's attacks on Gaza. The demonstrations have been organized by a coalition of community members and local anti-war organizations, including the Palestine-Israel Action Committee and Jewish Voice for Peace Santa Cruz. An announcement described the demonstration as a chance to speak out against, "Genocide, Apartheid, Colonialism, Ethnic Cleansing, and U.S/Israel Imperialism." A third die-in has been planned for Monday, August 11, beginning with a rally at the Town Clock at 5pm. At the Town Clock on August 4, the names of Israelis and Palestinians killed in Gaza were suspended on name cards. Many of those in attendance were also wearing the cards pinned to their clothing. Community members then marched down Pacific Avenue to the Cooper House, and after the name on the card they were wearing was read aloud, individuals would then take a place on the sidewalk an...

A demonstration was held in downtown Santa Cruz on July 28 to protest Israel's continued assault on Gaza and the people of Palestine. After rallying at the Town Clock, where many of the names and ages of Palestinians killed were displayed on placards, community members marched to the Cooper House on Pacific Avenue where a die-in was staged. Individuals laid down on the sidewalk and their bodies were outlined in chalk as organizers read the names and ages of Palestinian children killed since the war began on July 8. A press release announcing the demonstration stated: "The Santa Cruz community is calling for an end to the 7-year siege and Genocidal assault on Gaza by Israel's military, fully funded and supported by the U.S. president, congress and senate. Santa Cruz demands an end to ongoing U.S. covert operations in Iraq and Syria. More than 50% of the populations in these regions are children. War is being waged on children with our tax dollars." "Violence...