Update: Tri-Citians protesting weekly to ‘free Palestine,’ and say lawmaker response not enough

As the U.S. Senate prepares to debate a funding proposal in support of Israel, some Tri-Citians are continuing to take to the streets to show how they feel about the Israel-Hamas War.

The Party for Socialism and Liberation’s (PSL) local chapter has held demonstrations in support of a free Palestine every weekend since the Oct. 7 attacks intensified the conflict. On Saturday, Nov. 18, about 40 supporters gathered at the USS Triton Park in Richland.

The first demonstration in Tri-Cities drew hundreds of attendees. Locals with signs calling for a ceasefire, an end to the occupation and other demands, have gathered on sidewalks and in parks, participating in chants to support their message.

“Free, free Palestine,” said a PSL member into a bullhorn. Attendees chanted back: “Occupation is a crime.”

Tri-Citians speak on funding Israel

Most Washington Congressional members made initial comments condemning Hamas for the Oct. 7 attack, and have offered no statements since.

Locally, several Tri-Citians at the protests and others who contacted the Herald directly said they’ve been emailing, calling and mailing their federal Congressional members, including Rep. Dan Newhouse, Sen. Patty Murray and Sen. Maria Cantwell, attending town halls and attempting to communicate concerns over the support.

Many who spoke to the Herald said they’ve received little or no response.

Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Wash., held two virtual town halls sessions on Nov. 14-15 to hear constituent concerns on any issue in the 4th District.

Several PSL members said they logged in but when one tried to talk about concerns for Newhouse’s support for Israel the person was removed from the virtual meeting.

But a Newhouse spokesman in D.C. was adamant that no one was intentionally cutoff.

“The Congressman spoke with multiple people on the town hall, including with those who disagreed with him about his support for Israel in the wake of Hamas’ brutal attack on our nation’s ally. No one was removed from the meeting.”

Locals want to hear from Newhouse

PSL says they intended the Nov. 18 demonstration to be a direct message to the congressman, demanding a response to their concerns about his “unequivocal support of Israel” despite the bombings in Gaza that have killed thousands.

As a party, PSL is historically anti-war and has been actively voicing their opinions regarding conflicts in the Middle East for decades.

The protest started at the USS Triton Park in Richland, where attendees were encouraged to make signs and notes as a message to Newhouse. After about an hour, they walked to his Tri-Cities office on George Washington Way.

“Dan Newhouse, you can’t hide,” attendees said in unison as they walked. “You’re supporting genocide!”

Dozens of sticky notes were stuck on the office doors, and signs were propped on the ground. LED candles were placed in memory of innocent Palestinians killed. Chalk messages were written on the walkway to the door.

Newhouse has been one of the most prominent voices in support of getting the aid package to Israel.

“I have been and remain a staunch advocate for Israel and her interests,” he said in a Nov. 3 statement.

“The violence we have seen from Hamas in the past weeks is unconscionable and is a direct reflection of the radical interests of this group. I proudly cosponsored the SHIP Act and H. Res 798, both aimed at condemning these violent attacks and ensuring our allies have the resources they need,” he said.

Long history of struggle

Israel and Palestine have long been in conflict, particularly in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

However, Palestinians also live in territories claimed by both Israel and Palestine, like East Jerusalem, and millions live in exile. Depending on where Palestinians live, their rights vary as a result of varying decades of changing boundaries and governing controls.

The United Nations considers the West Bank and Gaza Strip as under Israeli occupation.

In Gaza, Israel controls the food, water, electricity and other supplies. Human Rights Watch and others say the conditions of life for Palestinians in Gaza are like the world’s largest open-air prison.

Gaza is one of the most densely-populated locations on Earth, populated by primarily refugees.

Hamas is a political and military group in Gaza that the U.S. State Department classifies as a terrorist organization.

It has grown in power since 2007 and is deemed responsible for the October attack that killed more than 1,200 Israelis. The Israeli Defense Forces says Hamas also took 240 people hostage.

Israel has responded with attacks nearly every day, leading to more than 11,000 deaths, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. And Palestinian officials report more than 10,000 Palestinians have been imprisoned.

Now, the U.S. House has passed a $14.3 billion proposal for additional military and defense aid to Israel, and the bill has gone to the Senate for debate.

This story was originally published November 19, 2023 at 5:00 AM.