Protesters Demand U.S. Officials Stop Funding Israel, Free Palestine

More than 50 people gathered in Indianapolis Tuesday to demand U.S. officials stop funding Israel’s military and pressure the country to end airstrikes in Gaza.

The protest was organized by the IUPUI and Butler University chapters of Students for Justice in Palestine and the Indiana chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace. An organizer who identified herself as Roua Raid said the groups want to bring attention to the violence.

“We are here raising awareness about Israeli war crimes,” Raid said. “Hundreds of innocent people are dying because of the Israeli bombing campaign.”

More than 200 people have died from Israeli airstrikes, according to Palestinian officials. Israel’s military says at least 10 Israelis have died in rocket attacks by Hamas.

The protesters marched to U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.)’s office. An organizer who gave only her first name, Layla, said the goal was to pressure Young and the U.S. government.

“We came out here to speak to Todd Young and to put pressure on him to condemn the Israeli war crimes and to stop funding to Israel,” Layla said.

Two organizers spoke with Young’s office as protesters demonstrated outside.

The Biden administration approved a $735 million weapon sale to Israel. The White House released a statement Monday saying the president supported a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas.

Contact reporter Darian at dbenson@wfyi.org or follow her on Twitter at @HelloImDarian.