Protestors demand Reed call for end to military aid to Israel

CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — A group of pro-Palestinian protestors held a demonstration outside Sen. Jack Reed’s Family Breakfast Fundraiser Sunday to demand the senator end support for military aid to Israel.

The protestors said they are calling for the money to instead be used for education and jobs in the United States as well as for more humanitarian aid to be sent to Gaza.

They also said that Reed has not met with Palestinian, Muslim, or Arab constituents.

“Senator Reed’s top donors are weapons manufacturers,” organizer Adelaide Dicken said. “Community members said that Senator Reed has refused to meet with Palestinian, Muslim, and Arab constituents. As chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, they say, he bears a unique responsibility in Congress to stop weapons transfers to Israel and call for additional funding for humanitarian aid to Gaza.”

Sen. Reed’s office released the following statement in response to the protestors:

Peaceful protest is a hallmark of our democracy. Sen. Reed has called for Israel to drastically change its tactics, for Hamas to release the hostages, and more aid for Gaza’s civilians.