WASHINGTON D.C. — Jewish American activists held a sit-in in the U.S. Capitol to call for a ceasefire amidst ongoing violence in Gaza on Wednesday, October 18. The group Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) has organized this sit-in demanding U.S. lawmakers step in and stipulate a ceasefire from an already-drafted resolution.

To display their solidarity with the affected civilians in Gaza, large groups of protesters gathered both inside and outside of the U.S. Capitol, pleading with Congress. The resolution for a ceasefire has sparked the protests of activists proclaiming for it to be put in motion.

U.S. Rep Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) and U.S. Rep Cori Bush (D-Missouri) were also in attendance voicing their own pleas to end the massacring against Palestinians in Gaza.

“I am ashamed people are saying not yet for a ceasefire — how many more have to die? People are dying – and we are giving money to allow it to keep happening,” Tlaib said at the protest. “The majority of Americans are against the occupation, and we have to speak the truth — Palestinian children should be alive.”

“We’re here to say: Not in our names, and never again,” Jewish Voice For Peace stated on its Instagram. “And we’ll continue our civil disobedience until Congress calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, or until they force us to leave.”

Photos taken of the protesters inside of the U.S. Capitol. Photo Credit: Jewish Voice for Peace Twitter (X)

Photos and videos taken inside the U.S. Capitol shows hundreds of Jewish protesters gathered to express their opposition. Holding large banners uttering the word “ceasefire” and wearing black t-shirts that display “Not in our name” on the front and “Jews say ceasefire now” on the back, their plea to end the violence is evident.

Protesters were also seen taking the streets in Washington D.C. chanting “no more genocide.” Several individuals were also pictured being arrested within the Capitol following their dissent.

A similar event occurred Monday, October 16, outside of the White House. Hundreds of protesters gathered to express their stance denouncing apartheid and the genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Nearly 30 protesters were arrested, according to official reports.