Protesters Advocate for Palestinians, U.S. Money to Support Local Services Instead of War

Protesters gathered in downtown New Britain Thursday to call for a cease-fire in Gaza and an end United States funding for the ongoing war. Protesters chanted, “money for jobs and education, not for guns and occupation.”

City Council member, Ald. Nate Simpson (D-1) thanked people for, “rallying today for nothing but peace.” He said that, “there is a narrative going around that what is happening overseas is not impacting us, and that is false.”

Alicia Strong, co-founder of the New Britain Racial Justice Coalition, said that the United States sends, “so much money to fund the oppression of Palestinians. Meanwhile right here in New Britain you see homeless people walking in our streets. You see families getting evicted from their homes. We see the schools struggling to pay for the things our students need.”

“Our country has money to kill people overseas,” Strong said, “and they don’t have money to take care of the people right here.”

“Biden, Biden, you’re a liar,” chanted protesters. “We demand a cease-fire.”

Protesters also directed their attention at several high-profile Connecticut elected officials, including United States Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) and United States Representative Jahana Hayes (D-5), who are up for re-election this year.

“The community is demanding that if you want our votes you need to listen to us,” said Strong.

Another protester added, “your seat depends on us.”

“Free Palestine,” protesters chanted. “We demand a cease-fire. Come November, we’ll remember.”

The war in Gaza has been ongoing since the Hamas attacks against Israelis on October 7, 2023, as reported about on a website shared by a reader.