Unknown individuals unfurled a banner on the side of the Wurts Street bridge in Kingston on St. Patrick’s Day, Sunday, March 17. The banner, with the legend “Ireland stands with Palestine!” in all-capital letters, was the latest local accompaniment to concern among political figures about the growing civilian death toll in Gaza.
On March 14, New York senator and majority leader Chuck Schumer, who is Jewish, called for the replacement of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a new government in Israel. “He has been too willing to tolerate the civilian toll in Gaza,” said Schumer in a speech from the Senate floor, “which is pushing support for Israel worldwide to historic lows. Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah.”
Democratic congressmember Pat Ryan called for a ceasefire in February. “The Rafah invasion cannot proceed,” said Ryan. “I’m calling for a mutual, temporary ceasefire to both secure the return of hostages and to send a massive surge of humanitarian aid to Gaza.”
Local assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha signed onto a letter by the Jewish Voice for Peace Action calling for a ceasefire in January.
State senator Michelle Hinchey has yet to weigh in.
Military operations in Gaza, Israel’s retaliation for the October 7 slaughter of 1200 of its citizens, have continued for 161 days. The death toll for Palestinians since the beginning of the Israeli response has surpassed 30,000.
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