Milwaukee Protesters Criticize Representative Moore’s Support for Israel
On July 26, the Milwaukee Anti-war Committee (MAC) and members of the Milwaukee chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace joined forces to protest outside U.S. Representative Gwen Moore’s district office in downtown Milwaukee. The demonstration came after Representative Moore and 194 of her Democrat colleagues voted in favor of a resolution showing unquestioning support for Israel, aligning themselves with House Republicans.
The resolution, passed on July 18, was a response to comments made by Representative Pramila Jayapal, the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, who referred to Israel as a racist state during a speech at a pro-Palestine demonstration in Chicago. Her remarks stirred controversy within the Democratic Party, prompting her colleagues in the House to swiftly condemn her statement. Just two days later, a Republican-introduced resolution supporting Israel passed with a vote of 412-9.
The resolution consisted of three statements: acknowledging Israel as neither a racist state nor an apartheid state, rejecting all forms of antisemitism and xenophobia, and asserting unwavering U.S. support for Israel as a steadfast partner.
During the protest, speakers from MAC and JVP criticized the resolution and Representative Moore’s support for it, while expressing solidarity with Palestine. Remi Schueler of the MAC addressed the audience, stating, Israel has been brutalizing, displacing, and murdering Palestinians for 75 years. They have enacted policies that explicitly target Palestinians, creating an apartheid state and actively pursuing genocide. Schueler questioned Representative Moore’s character, pointing out that her unwavering support for Israel in the face of its blatant human rights violations is concerning, especially when Republicans are currently attacking diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Rachel Ida Buff, a representative from JVP, emphasized that American government actions, such as the use of tax dollars to support the Israeli military and the neglect of essential needs for American citizens, do not create a safer environment. She also highlighted the disapproval of many American Jews, particularly young people, towards Israel’s policies and the belief in the rights of Palestinians to be free.
Both MAC and JVP are now circulating a petition demanding that Representative Gwen Moore sign HR 3103, also known as the Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act. They have vowed to continue pressuring Representative Moore until she aligns with her Wisconsin colleague, Representative Mark Pocan, and adds her name to HR 3103.
These developments have sparked a contentious debate within the Democratic Party, highlighting differing perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It remains to be seen how representative Moore and her colleagues will respond to the protestors’ demands.
