On December 14th, 2023, the last night of Hannukah, hundreds of Jewish Portlanders and supporters blockaded the Burnside Bridge during rush hour to pressure the Biden administration and members of Congress into demanding a permanent ceasefire in Israel’s genocidal siege of Gaza.
The Portland action was one of eight nationwide, in which bridges were shut down for Hanukkah to demand a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the brutal Israeli military occupation of Palestine.
According to Truthout, Jewish organizers and their allies gathered in Seattle, Los Angeles, Portland, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Minneapolis, and Chicago. The coordinated protest effort was organized by leaders from Jewish Voice for Peace, Jewish Fast For Gaza, IfNotNow and other groups to take place on the eighth day of Hanukkah, a deeply symbolic decision.
On the Burnside Bridge, the protesters assembled a 12-foot high Menorah made from PVC pipe and battery-powered lights, and held a Hannukah candle lighting ceremony, integrating the call for ceasefire in Gaza and justice and equal rights for Palestinians throughout the ceremony.
More info about Jewish Voice for Peace - Portland branch, including how to take action.
- KBOO