Here is a video of yesterday’s protest in San Francisco against Israel’s resumption of bombing Gaza. Below it are some photos plus my written comments on the protest.

Within 24 hours of Israel resuming its bombing of the people of Gaza, several thousand people came out to protest in San Francisco. That’s a good thing. It’s also a good thing that, as you can see, many people took the time and initiative to make up their own protest signs. But, at the risk of sounding too negative, I have to ask: Why was the main call for city councils to call for a ceasefire? Let’s be real: What will that accomplish? Joe Biden himself is calling for Israel to be more careful in how many people it kills in Gaza…. while he sends bunker buster bombs there. Or think about Congresswoman Barbara Lee, who is now running for the US Senate. Look at this debate from a couple of years ago. She may call for a ceasefire now, but she supports sending arms to Israel.

We need to demand #1: End all aid of all sort for Israel and #2 US sanctions on Israel.

But then there’s another question, because as even Barbara Lee proves, the Democrats will never do this. So we need an alternative – a working class political party. We also need real international working class solidarity, which means opposing all imperialist powers and all occupations, as I point out in my leaflet. Some people talk about that, but I actually tried to take a small step in that direction when I ran for Oakland mayor as the working class socialist candidate last year. We need local candidates like that next year – for city council, for Board of education, for other local positions. I would love to talk with those who are really serious about stopping Israel about that idea. If you took the initiative to come out to a protest like this, then why not take the next step?

And one more thing: These protests should be organized by open organizing committees which enable speakers from all pro-Palestine points of view onto the speakers stage. That way, we can all hear different points of view about how to move forward.

The leaflet I distributed yesterday