Weekend protests expected in downtown Sacramento for Mideast violence, Democratic convention
Multiple organizations will hold demonstrations in downtown Sacramento through the weekend, calling for peace in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas war.
A severe humanitarian crisis continues to unfold in Gaza. Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people. Amid an ongoing Israeli offensive in the weeks since that has included airstrikes, more than 11,470 Palestinians have been killed and about 2,700 have been reported missing, the Associated Press reported citing Palestinian health authorities.
Calls for a cease-fire have mounted in California’s capital city as local pro-Palestine activists call on elected officials, including Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, to pass resolutions seeking a cessation of hostilities in the Mideast. The demonstrations come as the California Democratic Party hosts its conventions Friday through Sunday at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center across from the state Capitol.
Sacramento police said in a statement officers were aware of multiple events happening downtown this weekend and an increased presence of police officers will conduct patrols.
“The Sacramento Police Department will have dedicated resources, an increased visual presence, and additional patrols for the events at the convention center this weekend,” the statement said.
On Saturday, the Sacramento Regional Coalition of Palestinian Rights will host a human rights rally at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium at 1515 J St., three blocks from the Democratic Party convention, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
At least a dozen groups will join the Sacramento Regional Coalition of Palestinian Rights to demand a cease-fire at the auditorium and then march to the convention, organizers say. Some participants include the Sacramento Jewish Voice for Peace, Democrats for Justice in Palestine and Sunrise Movement Sacramento, according to a flyer posted on social media.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations, American Muslims for Palestine, Palestine Advocacy League and the Jewish Voice for Peace hosted a “Jummah for Palestine” on the west steps of the state Capitol from noon to 3 p.m. Friday. Jummah are Muslim congregational Friday prayers held after noon.
