The bustling intersection of Hollywood and Highland in Los Angeles was subject to an abrupt pause today. Hundreds of protestors clamoring for an end to the Gaza Strip conflict occupied the streets as reported by ABC7. The protestors' presence led to the temporary obstruction of Hollywood Boulevard between Orange Drive and Las Palmas and Highland Avenue from Franklin Place to Sunset Boulevard.
Many of the protestors wore black sweatshirts with the words, "JEWS SAY CEASE FIRE NOW" imprinted on the back, which were meant to signify their plea for peace in the ongoing conflict. Their message rang loud in the city's arteries, raising awareness and drawing attention to their cause.
Focused on their duty to ensure public safety while respecting the First Amendment rights of protestors, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) steered clear of making any arrests. In their official Twitter statement, the LAPD clarified their intention to ensure a peaceful protest, intervening only if violent events transpired. The streets eventually cleared and were opened for traffic, indicating that the protest had been a peaceful one.
LAPD News: Hollywood Div is monitoring a planned demonstration at Hollywood and Highland. Demonstrators have blocked the intersection. Traffic will be impacted for this event.
— LAPD PIO (@LAPDPIO) November 16, 2023
The protest viewed as, "the largest-ever act of civil disobedience" in Los Angeles, was organized by groups Jewish Voice for Peace and IfNotNow. Hollywood's history as an active site for labor rights organization, social criticism and exposition of meaningful stories could be the reason behind the strong surge of local activism, as mentioned by ABC7.
Mirroring the incident in Los Angeles, another protest held on the same day grabbed national attention. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters, situated in the capital city, became the core of a protest where a crowd demanded a cease-fire. The U.S. Capitol Police approximated a tally of 150 people involved in illegal and violent protests near the DNC headquarters building, forcing Members of Congress to evacuate the premises.
The very organizers responsible for the mass protest in Hollywood, Jewish Voice for Peace and IfNotNow, had their members amongst the protesters in Washington as well. According to Rep. Brad Sherman, a Democrat representing a district that includes parts of the San Fernando Valley and Malibu, the building had to be evacuated when protesters began attacking police officers with pepper spray and attempted to breach the building.
The manifestation of demands for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict on both coasts reflects the national concern over the continuing strife in the region.
