Gaza Protest Planned In Worcester At McGovern Fundraiser With Hakeem Jeffries

WORCESTER, MA — Demonstrators who want elected officials to support a ceasefire in Gaza will protest outside a fundraiser in Worcester Tuesday for U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-2) featuring House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Cambridge-based Massachusetts Peace Action says the demonstration will ask for a permanent Gaza ceasefire, an end to U.S. military aid to Israel, an end to Israel's blockade of humanitarian aid, and for elected officials to stop accepting campaign donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee lobbying group.

Jeffries, who represents part of the New York City borough of Brooklyn, is the highest-ranking Democrat in the U.S. House after being picked as minority leader in 2023. McGovern is the ranking member of the powerful House Rules Committee.

Jeffries has been a key Israel ally since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that left over 1,100 people dead, and where over 250 were taken hostage. Israel's military response has left an estimated 32,000 Palestinians dead, and an ongoing Israeli blockade of aid to Gaza may result in a famine that could kill scores more.

Jeffries has condemned demonstrations over Israel's counteroffensive, calling slogans like "from the river to the sea" violent.

"There are millions of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza who legitimately aspire to peaceful self-determination and economic dignity," Jeffries said in November. "The continued presence of Hamas undermines that cause, further making clear that the ongoing effort to decisively defeat this brutal terrorist regime must succeed."

Tuesday's protest won't be the first McGovern has faced over Gaza. A group of Northampton-area residents occupied his office in that city, demanding he oppose further military aid to Israel. But on Friday, McGovern voted against an omnibus spending bill that included a provision defunding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency — a UN aid agency that provides relief for Palestinians. McGovern was the only member of Congress from Massachusetts to vote against the bill, which did pass the House.

McGovern is up for reelection in 2024, although he has never faced a serious challenge since assuming office in 1996, winning every race by more than 50 percent — and close to 100 percent in the seven elections where he faced no Republican challenger.

The protest will take place from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. in downtown Worcester outside 446 Main St., the glass office tower at the corner of Pleasant Street.