The city of Portland bore witness to the strands of a wider tapestry of resistance Wednesday, as a crowd gathered in Pioneer Square to protest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the U.S. Congress. According to KOIN 6 News, as the hands of the clock rounded 11:15 a.m., roughly 100 protesters had amassed, their presence a silent testament to dissent, coupled with a discrete number of Portland police officers ensuring order.
The protests weren't confined to the Pacific Northwest; in fact, thousands had congregated around the U.S. Capitol where large steel barriers and a robust police presence couldn't overshadow the charged atmosphere. “America and Israel must stand together,” Netanyahu declared, sporting a yellow pin in solidarity with Israeli hostages. He was met with opposition inside and outside the chambers of Congress, and notably, several Democrats made the choice to boycott, with demonstrations elaborating on the theme of Netanyahu bearing responsibility for a toll of lives since the recent surge in conflict, reported OregonLive.
Further deepening the conversation about Netanyahu's address was a sizeable demonstration led by Jewish Voice for Peace. Amid the civil disobedience within the August halls of the Capitol, Beth Miller of Jewish Voice for Peace Action lamented the welcoming of Netanyahu, describing him as leading "a genocide of Palestinians in Gaza," Democracy Now! reported. The actions of the protesters, including those of over a dozen rabbis culminated in 400 arrests, symbolizing an unequivocal message demanding an immediate U.S. weapons embargo on Israel.
Furthermore, significant absenteeism marked the day’s proceedings, with notable figures such as Vice President Kamala Harris missing, attributed to a prior commitment—interpreted by some as political statement. Political polarization shadowed the theater, as members of Congress demonstrated a dichotomy of support and critique. “Today and every day, America must stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel,” declared House Speaker Mike Johnson according to a statement obtained by OregonLive, even, as absentees signaled a dissenting undercurrent running through the alignment with Israel.
With Israel as a crucial U.S. ally embroiled in the devastation of ongoing conflict, this visit by the Israeli Prime Minister draws scrutiny upon the complex web of international relations, hostilities, and the pursuit of peace. Netanyahu's agenda encapsulates negotiations for the hostages’ parole, an enduring stand against regional adversaries, and reinforcement of Israel's combative stance against Hamas, as well as discussions with American political leaders in the shadow of an ICC's pivotal gaze, shared OregonLive.
.jpg){kind=link}