Tell the Women of the Senate: Arms Embargo NOW! TAKE ACTION!

Last week, Chicago — the city I grew up in — hosted the very war criminals responsible for arming the genocide of my people for the Democratic National Convention. For five days straight, we showed up everywhere the Democrats were, guaranteeing they heard our urgent demand: a full arms embargo on the genocidal state of Israel. Most of them hid behind an army of police officers shielding them from us — including Sen. Tammy Duckworth — who told us back in October that she would continue sending weapons to Israel. From Duckworth to Harris, throughout the DNC we saw politicians posing as advocates for women and reproductive rights while openly arming Israel to slaughter women and children. What a farce! They can’t hide from one undeniable fact: Genocide is not feminist. 

👉 Tell the Women of the Senate: Arms Embargo NOW!

I was invigorated by the energy CODEPINKers from across the country brought to Chicago, and together we pulled off the most successful week of actions in CODEPINK DNC history! No matter how many times they surrounded us with police, covered their ears, or booed us, we remained steadfast for the people of Gaza. There was nowhere for them to hide from the crimes they have perpetuated for the past ten months. Their cowardice in the face of true feminist demands tells me we are more powerful than we know. 

👉 Genocide is Not Feminist! Send a Letter to the Women of the Senate NOW!

Buckle in, because we were everywhere last week, starting with the day before the DNC even started…

Sunday, August 18: Pre-DNC

We kicked off our week of action by sailing a boat across the Chicago river in solidarity with the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, “welcoming” the DNC delegates and war criminals arriving in Chicago with a clear message: Let the Freedom Flotilla sail! End Israel’s Genocide in Gaza! Later, we joined thousands for a march through the city of Chicago to set the tone for the DNC, demanding the Democrats stop supporting genocide! 

Monday, August 19: DNC Day 1

The power of our CODEPINK contingent was palpable as we joined thousands for the first march on the DNC, unified under the demand for an arms embargo on Israel! I am beyond grateful for everyone who carried the banners, signs, and 6 foot tall bloody hands! Later that day we showed up to a fundraiser for Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, and were able to get a word with Rep. Robin Kelly, who said she’d support an arms embargo on Israel if it hit the Congress floor. 

Tuesday, August 20: DNC Day 2

Starting early in the morning, we disrupted Illinois’s very own war criminals, Sen. Dick Durbin and Rep. Mike Quigley, while they had brunch at a $1000-a-ticket event. At the same time, a group of us disrupted Tim Walz at the DNC women’s caucus with the simple message to stop killing women in Gaza! Walz did nothing as the crowd chanted USA and our disruptors were thrown out. We wrapped up the night inside the convention center, where our co-founder Jodie Evans unfurled a banner that read “Free Free Palestine” during the Obamas’ speeches!

Wednesday, August 21: DNC Day 3

We kept the pressure on for Day 3, kicking off by disrupting the Democratic Majority for Israel luncheon — which Tim Walz attended — both inside and outside. Walz didn’t look at us once on his way out, hiding behind police cars and officers with huge guns. That same day we disrupted Rep. Jamie Raskin at the Environmental Caucus, and joined thousands for another march on the DNC! 

Thursday, August 22: DNC Day 4 

We wrapped up the DNC strong, making sure we made our demands for an arms embargo on Israel heard one last time. We started the day off with a noise demo outside the “Biden Victory” fundraiser that Sen. Tammy Duckworth was attending. We shouted loud and clear that GENOCIDE IS NOT FEMINIST! We joined the sit-in with the uncommitted delegates once more, and wrapped up the day with the final rally and march on the DNC! 

👉 Tell the Women of the Senate: We Need an Arms Embargo on Israel NOW!

I am incredibly grateful for everyone who joined us in person or supported us otherwise in this effort to confront the war criminals at the DNC. Without you all, there would be no movement. I know it was a long week, but this is merely a jumping off point for so much more. At the DNC, we proved to each other what we can accomplish with teamwork and determination. Now, let’s advance further, towards a free Palestine!

Can you help support our local chapters? 

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👉 Stay engaged:

• Check out all the DNC action and our media round-up!
• Missing Peace Monday is back! Join us on September 9!
• Read Nuvpreet’s analysis on the (non)ceasefire deal!
• Read Danaka’s reflections on the DNC!
• Tell Congress to refuse $$$ from the pro-Israel lobby!
• Unmask politicians bought by Zionism!
• Boycott! MAERSK and join the arms embargo campaign!
• Sign up to organize and engage locally!
• Order our CODEPINK pink keffiyehs from the West Bank!

❤️ With love and gratitude,
Nour and the entire CODEPINK team