35 Rabbis Arrested in NYC and DC Protests for Gaza Food Aid

Rising Jewish Voices Demand Action for Gaza

As concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continue to escalate, Jewish leaders and activists are increasingly speaking out. Recent protests led by rabbis across the United States have drawn attention to the dire conditions faced by civilians in the region. These demonstrations highlight a growing movement among Jewish communities to advocate for peace, aid, and an end to the conflict.

Protests and Arrests Highlight Growing Concerns

On Tuesday, dozens of rabbis were arrested after staging a protest at the office of Senate Majority Leader John Thune. The group, affiliated with the advocacy organization Jews for Food Aid for People in Gaza, entered Thune’s office with banners that read “Rabbis say: Protect Life!” and “Rabbis say: Stop the Blockade.” This action was part of a broader effort to call for immediate relief and an end to what they describe as the Israeli government's blockade of Gaza.

The arrests followed a similar demonstration in New York City, where eight rabbis were detained the day before. These incidents reflect a surge in Jewish concern about the plight of Gazan civilians, particularly amid a worsening hunger crisis that has gained global attention.

A Movement Gaining Momentum

Over the past two months, more than 23,500 Jews, including over 750 rabbis and 100 Jewish congregations and organizations, have signed a statement titled “Jews for Food Aid for People in Gaza.” Additionally, over 1,000 rabbis recently signed an open letter demanding that Israel stop using starvation as a weapon of war. While Israel denies these allegations, the calls for action continue to grow.

Lawmakers from both political parties, along with former President Donald Trump and other world leaders, have expressed concern about the situation in Gaza. This includes Israel’s announcement of a pause in military operations in certain areas of Gaza to allow for the distribution of aid.

Spiritual and Moral Responsibility

At the protest in Thune’s office, one rabbi emphasized the spiritual and moral responsibility of Jewish leaders to protect life. “We are here to demand that our elected officials protect life and take immediate action to end the starvation for all people in Gaza, including Palestinians in Gaza and Israeli hostages who are still being held captive in Gaza,” he said.

During the sit-in, two rabbis read from Lamentations, a text recited on Tisha B’Av, which describes the siege of ancient Jerusalem. They translated the line, “Little children beg for bread; none gives them a morsel.” The group then sang Psalm 23, typically used at Jewish funerals, before being arrested by Capitol police.

Prominent Rabbis Involved

Among those arrested were several well-known rabbis who have been vocal advocates for pro-Palestinian causes. Rabbi Mordechai Liebling, former director of the social justice organizing program at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, Rabbi Abby Stein, the first openly transgender female rabbi from a Hasidic background, and Rabbi Andrue Kahn, a Brooklyn-based Reform rabbi and leader of the historically anti-Zionist American Council for Judaism, were all present.

Rabbi Amelia Wolf, leader of the Conservative congregation Etz Hayim in Arlington, Virginia, was also among those arrested. Their participation underscores the diversity of voices within the Jewish community calling for change.

Commitment to Peace and Justice

In a statement, Rabbi Alissa Wise, founder of Rabbis for Ceasefire, said, “This is about life and death. Our most urgent spiritual responsibility as Jews and as rabbis is to protect life.” She added, “All life is sacred, but Palestinian lives are not treated as such, and that is a blot on our collective humanity. We are here to insist on the sanctity of life of every Palestinian, of every Israeli, of all of us.”

The protests continued the next day when eight rabbis were arrested outside the Israeli Consulate in New York City. They were advocating for increased aid into Gaza, an end to the war, and the return of all hostages. According to an Instagram post by Rabbi Evan Traylor, the group was held in a Manhattan jail for over two hours before being released.

“I’m okay, and will continue speaking and working for an end to the starvation of Gaza, the return of the hostages, an end to the war, and true justice and peace for all people in Israel/Palestine,” he wrote.

A Call for Continued Support

As the movement grows, Jewish leaders and activists continue to urge support for their cause. Whether through direct action, public statements, or community engagement, the message remains clear: the time for action is now.