Jewish Voice for Peace Leads Nearly 100 Arrests in NYC Protest Against US Bomb Sales to Israel
Image: thedailystar

Jewish Voice for Peace Leads Nearly 100 Arrests in NYC Protest Against US Bomb Sales to Israel

13 April, 2026.Protests.11 sources

Key Takeaways

  • Nearly 100 protesters arrested in NYC sit-in outside Schumer and Gillibrand offices.
  • Chelsea Manning among those detained protesting US weapons sales to Israel.
  • Demonstration urged Schumer and Gillibrand to block sale of thousands of bombs to Israel.

Mass Arrests in NYC

Among those detained were Chelsea Manning, Hari Nef, and New York City Council Member Alexa Avilés.

Image from Al Jazeera
Al JazeeraAl Jazeera

The crowd initially attempted a sit-in inside the Manhattan offices of Schumer and Gillibrand but were blocked by security.

Protesters then stopped traffic outside, chanting 'fund people, not bombs' as they were arrested.

The demonstration focused on resolutions introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders that could block the arms sale.

Schumer and Gillibrand did not endorse the Sanders resolutions.

Growing Opposition

The protest came as Israel faced increasing criticism from several Americans.

A Pew Research Center poll revealed that 60 percent of Americans hold an unfavorable view of Israel.

Image from Hindustan Times
Hindustan TimesHindustan Times

Chelsea Manning asserted that the cruelties of war are not inevitable.

She called on Schumer and Gillibrand to follow the will of New Yorkers.

The protest also addressed the broader U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and Israel's attacks in Lebanon.

The demonstration highlighted the growing divide within the Democratic Party.

Regional Conflict

The IRGC launched over 100 waves of missile and drone operations against key US and Israeli targets.

A Pakistan-brokered ceasefire went into effect but negotiations failed to reach a deal.

The US started a naval blockade against Iranian ports on April 13.

The Trump administration cracked down on anti-war protests.

New York City was at the heart of pro-Palestinian protests in 2024.

More on Protests