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Protesters call for end to U.S. aid for Israel
Saturday, May 11, 2002
Pro-Palestinian protesters blocked traffic on Second Avenue in front of the Henry M. Jackson Building for about 12 minutes Friday before police moved in to make arrests and get traffic rolling again.
Holding a banner that said, "Not in our name -- Stop U.S. Aid to Israel," the demonstrators provoked a cacophony of blaring horns as the Friday afternoon commute built to a crescendo just before 5 p.m.
A protest organizer said 11 people were arrested. Seattle police reported 10 arrests.
"We will not be silenced. Blood on our hands!" the protesters shouted. "Free Palestine! Free Trevor!"
They want Israeli authorities to release Seattle resident Trevor Baumgartner, who was detained by Israeli soldiers May 2 along with 12 other Western activists who distracted Israeli soldiers while other internationals delivered food to those inside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Nathan Mauger, a Spokane resident, remains in Israeli custody.
After a 5 1/2-week standoff there, Israeli soldiers allowed Palestinian militants and others inside to leave Friday. Thirteen were deported to Europe.
Baumgartner was hospitalized Thursday after refusing food and water in protest of his detention and possible deportation, protest organizers said. Baumgartner wants to be allowed to leave voluntarily so he can return to Israel someday, said protest organizer Ed Mast.
"They've been holding him without charge and without trial," Mast said. "They haven't arrested him, as far as we know."
Mast said the demonstrators blocked off the street to get attention for their message.
"We're concerned about the $3 billion to $5 billion of our tax money that goes every year to support apartheid and military occupation," Mast said. "The West Bank and Gaza have been under military occupation since 1967. That's why there's trouble."
P-I reporter Robert McClure can be reached at 206-448-8092 or robertmcclure@seattlepi.com
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