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“While You’re Shopping Bombs Are Dropping”, Protesters Demand an End to the Violence in Palestine

By Noah Kubacki

 

 

On Tax Day, demonstrators gathered in Downtown Los Angeles to protest Israel's bombing the Iranian consulate, as well as the continued genocide in Palestine. The event was organized by the Los Angeles-Orange County-Inland Empire chapter of the Palestinian Youth Movement.

 

The group started their march outside of the Keller Williams Real Estate office, located in the popular downtown shopping center The Bloc. Keller Williams Realty has been accused of illegally selling properties located in the occupied West Bank. The claims additionally suggest that the sale was only limited to private Jewish buyers. Keller Williams Worldwide has denied the allegations. The company has released a statement on March 7, 2024 stating “While Keller Williams Worldwide does work with agents and brokerages in Israel (…) we wish to emphasize that NONE of our representatives are involved in the sale of properties in disputed West Bank territories.” While the Company’s statement is true, there are missing details relating to the full story. A Keller Williams affiliate, Home In Israel, hosted an event selling properties located in Tel Aviv and Haifa. A similar group, Your home in Israel, hosted an event a few days later marketing properties in the West Bank. Due to the similar names, activists have confused the two companies. As of right now, Keller Williams and their associates have not sold any land in the West Bank.

 

Participants lined the overhead glass balconies displaying Palestine flags and anti-war signs. The group led chants through multiple megaphones scattered throughout the crowd. Chants such as: 

 

“We want justice you say how; we demand ceasefire now”

 

“Israel bombs, USA pays. How many kids have you killed today?”

 

“Biden, Biden you’re a liar. We demand a ceasefire”

 

The organizers made their intentions clear. The group wants an immediate ceasefire. The collection of people walked a fixed route throughout the streets of Downtown Los Angeles. Volunteers in high visibility vests helped block off streets and redirect traffic. During the rally the police watched from the air via helicopter. The protest march briefly stopped at FIGAT7TH, another popular shopping center. The crowd again recited slogans and hung banners over the sides of the glass walkways. After some time passed the group returned to the streets slowly walking together towards Pershing Square. 

 

The march concluded at the corner of West 5th and South Hill street. The planners of the event took some time to speak on the importance of community involvement, and their overall goal to have the United States apply pressure on Israel to result in a permanent ceasefire. The Palestinian Youth Movement’s goals seem to be inching towards reality after each day, however, there is no sure way of knowing what is to happen in these upcoming months. After Israel bombed the Iranian Consulate, Iran returned fire by sending around 300 drones and missiles at Israel. Everyone is waiting, unsure of where this conflict is leading to next.