March 9 Protest Against IDF Dinner


We had about 15 from MECR participate in this action. In all, about 400 to 500 protesters circled the Waldorf Astoria block.

This from the Nation Blog:

Tonight, March 9th, The Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, a non-profit organization that provides support and services to members of Israel's national army, will be holding a gala $1,000 a plate fundraiser at the Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan.
The keynote speaker, Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, IDF Chief of General Staff, was responsible for the prosecution of last year's Operation Cast Lead in the Gaza strip, and is someone I consider a war criminal. This link explains why.
At the same time as the dinner tonight, a broad coalition of local groups will stage a mobile protest outside the hotel to highlight the crimes committed by the IDF during Operation Cast Lead as well as Israel's ongoing illegal blockade of the Gaza Strip.

Photos by Laurie.

For many more photos of the event:
 http://picasaweb.google.com/ellen.rachel.davidson/March92010ProtestAgainstFriendsOfTheIsraelDefenseForceFundraisingGala?feat=email#