Democratic US Representative Brad Schneider’s office was targeted by what he described as “a vile act of hate.” Pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated outside his office in the US Capitol building, tearing down posters of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Schneider, a strong supporter of Israel, shared a photo of the crumpled posters on the floor.
Schneider, who is Jewish and represents a district north of Chicago, Illinois, condemned the incident. He highlighted the significance of it occurring on July 4, America’s Independence Day, calling it a shameful act.
The protesters, associated with an Instagram page called “Direct Actions for Palestine,” were demanding Schneider support the restoration of US funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and an end to the war. The US had suspended funding to UNRWA following allegations by Israel that members of the agency’s staff had ties to extremist groups. The UN stated that Israel had yet to provide evidence for these claims.
The protests come in the wake of a violent attack on Israel by Palestinian Hamas militants on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of about 250 others to Gaza. In response, Israel launched an assault on Gaza, leading to more number of deaths as per Gaza’s health ministry.
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The US Capitol Police are aware of the incident and are investigating. However, they have not provided further details.
Schneider also reported that his home was targeted last weekend by around 50 masked demonstrators at 2:30 a.m. They banged drums, blew horns, and shouted antisemitic chants. The protesters criticized Schneider’s votes to defund UNRWA, chanting, “If we don’t get no justice, then you don’t get no sleep.”
The ongoing conflict has led to numerous protests across the United States, Israel’s key ally, over US support for Israel. Rights advocates have noted an increase in antisemitism and Islamophobia amid these tensions.
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