Alex Darocy Photography

On August 21, activists with the Palestine Israel Action Committee and Jewish Voice for Peace Santa Cruz picketed outside of a talk at Temple Beth El in Aptos about Israel and Gaza, given by Dr. Andy David, Israel's Consul General for Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. The topic of the talk was "Operation Protective Edge," Israel's name for their most recent military assault on Gaza, which began on July 8 and has killed thousands of Palestinians. The smaller signs in the photo read: "Say NO! to Israeli murder of Palestinian children. Demand U.S. Sanctions on Israel," "Ethical Jews Support Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions," "Ethical Jews Demand U.S. Sanctions on Israel," "What Jewish Law Permits the Killing of Innocent Children?" About a dozen protesters were present outside of Temple Beth El. A series of large signs with the names of those killed in the war were displayed near the temple's entrance, an...

A demonstration to protest U.S. involvement in Israel's attacks on Gaza was held on August 14 outside of a fundraiser for Congress Member Sam Farr in Santa Cruz. Organized by the Democratic Women’s Club, the fundraiser was hosted by Khristina Horn, who opened up her home on Millionaires' Row. Known as "Epworth-By-The-Sea," the mansion was built in 1887 and fronts the ocean at 320 West Cliff Drive. One demonstrator said being at the luxurious location felt "creepy" because of how strongly it symbolized the connection between big money and politics. Farr could be seen through the large, bay facing windows of the mansion, speaking with supporters.  Congress Member Sam Farr speaks with supporters. Outside, activists casually held signs along West Cliff. One large banner read, "Your Taxes to Israel: $8 Million/day."  $3 billion a year in U.S. military aid is given to the Israeli government. On August 1, Congress Member Farr voted, a...

August 11 marked the fifth consecutive Monday evening protest held at the Santa Cruz Town Clock for the people of Gaza, since Israel began the attacks on July 8. A number of other demonstrations opposing Israel's attacks on the Palestinian people have been held in Santa Cruz as well, and community members continue to organize against the atrocities. On Saturday, some are making the trip up to the Oakland port early in the morning to help block the incoming Israeli ZIM ship, to prevent it from unloading its cargo, and another protest in Santa Cruz is planned for 1pm at the Town Clock. On August 11, as with previous demonstrations, community members displayed the names of those killed in Gaza. Individuals also held signs with statements such as "Hewlett Packard profits from Israeli Genocide in Gaza," "Let Gaza Live: Demand U.S. Sanctions on Israel," and "Want Peace? Demand U.S. Sanctions on Israel." One sign read, "There is a solution - B...

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...

On August 1, Muslim, Jewish, and Christian prayers were given and activists, including children, read poetry at the Santa Cruz Town Clock to honor those who have passed or been injured in Israel/Palestine since the fighting began on July 8. The names of those killed were displayed on poster boards which required several people to hold. The names of 1270 Palestinians and 49 Israelis were on the list. Organizers of the vigil want to call attention to the culpability of the United States in the crisis for supplying Israel with $3 billion per year in military aid. They are demanding hearings in the House and Senate be held regarding Israel's violation of U.S. laws that forbid the use of U.S. supplied weapons against civilian populations. On the day of the vigil, however, the House voted nearly unanimously to send Israel an additional $225 million to fund its "Iron Dome" missile defense system. "The U.S. must instead use all of it’s international influence, includ...