Pennsylvania Capitol protest towards state’s $56m funding in Israel bonds ends with 126 arrests

A spokesperson for the Division of Common Companies, which incorporates the Pennsylvania Capitol Police, stated 126 individuals had been taken into custody at what he described as an unpermitted, unauthorized demonstration. They had been ordered to disperse earlier than being arrested, issued citations for trespassing after which launched, stated spokesperson Troy Thompson.

The protestors, many sporting T-shirts that stated “divest from genocide,” clapped and chanted through the protest, which organizers stated was focused on the state Treasury Division’s funding in Israel bonds.

One giant signal stated the state ought to reinvest that tax cash in well being care, housing, faculties and local weather. There have been chants of “free Palestine” earlier than and after they had been arrested.

The occasion was organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, the Philly Palestine Coalition and the Pennsylvania Council on American-Islamic Relations. It started Monday morning outdoors the Capitol however moved to the Rotunda by early afternoon.

Lilah Saber, a participant within the protest, stated it was solely targeted on the state’s funding in Israel bonds.

“We did not plan on being arrested, but we were arrested,” Saber stated.

Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity, a Republican, stated state treasurers of each events have invested in Israel bonds for greater than 30 years. The state’s share of Israel bonds rose by $20 million after the Hamas assault that started the war in Gaza and is presently $56 million, Garrity stated in an announcement launched by her workplace.

The state additionally holds about $8 million in different Israel-based securities. Along with the $56 million, that quantities to about 0.14% of the funds the Treasury Division actively manages, Garrity stated.