Jewish Voice for Peace Rhode Island joins Families for Ceasefire's National Day of Action

"We call on Senator Reed to represent our demands for a full ceasefire, something none of our federal delegates have done, despite overwhelming support among their constituents.”

Nov 13, 2023

Jewish Voice for Peace Rhode Island (JVP-RI) held a demonstration on the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge on Sunday as part of “Families for Ceasefire National Day of Action,” joining thousands of families and children across the country to demand an end to Israel’s bombing, siege, and occupation of Gaza. Around 300 attended.

Emcee Aaron Karp read a statement from Michael S. Van Leesten’s children at the beginning of the demonstration:

"Michael S. Van Leesten was about peace, humanity, and fairness. He wanted equality for all especially when it came to basic human rights. He sought beauty and positive outcomes during difficulty and would do everything he could to bring feelings of comfort and ease to those in need.
"He was a wonderful father, friend, mentor, son, brother, cousin, grandfather and uncle. His goal in life was to help people reach their goals within their own lives.
"Our father, in our eyes, was larger than life and his children are so proud of the footprint he left on so many individuals and families. If he were here today he would be working, planning, and meeting with anyone who stood for PEACE! May God be with us all and as he would say, ‘Smile at someone, and help as many people as you can.’”

The demonstration was coincidentally held on the 74th birthday of Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed. Organizers had a message for the Senator:

“Our Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed has a powerful voice as chair of the Senate Armed Forces Committee. While he celebrates his birthday this Sunday, Gaza is experiencing unprecedented bombardment and a ground invasion. We call on Senator Reed to represent our demands for a full ceasefire, something none of our federal delegates have done, despite overwhelming support among their constituents.”

The demonstration included a speaking program where people heard from Providence City Councilmember Miguel Sanchez, community leaders, and families about the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe happening in Gaza and the West Bank.

There was also an interactive art installation in commemoration of the more than 4,500 children killed by the Israeli military with the financial and political support of the United States Congress – including Rhode Island’s Delegation. People drew the names of the children killed from a bag and wrote them on large posters on the bridge.

Currently, 39 newborns in incubators at Al Shifa Hospital are at risk of death, notes JVP-RI.

Here’s the video:

Speakers:

James is a trans, Jewish professor and parent of two Jewish children.
Lex Rofeberg is a rabbi ordained through the Jewish Renewal Movement, who serves as Senior Jewish Educator for Judaism Unbound.
Doc Aswad (he/him) is a native of South Central Los Angeles. He is a resident physician, training in pediatrics and child psychiatry.
Nomi is a Jewish parent, children's librarian, and active member of JVP-RI.
Nika is a Jewish and Indigenous Public Educator and Organizer.
Zainab Dandia is a mother of two who spends her free time in community outreach efforts and is a writer who explores the nuances of religion and history.
Miguel Sanchez is a Providence City Councilor, whose vocal support for a ceasefire resulted in him being fired from his job by Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee.
Reverend DL Helfer is a Unitarian Universalist minister, a Jew, and an active member of JVP-RI.
Singing led by Joshua
Waffa Freij and Khaleed