September 6, 2024
We say “Not Another Bomb”: Protesters demand ceasefire outside Iowa legislators’ lunch event
On Wednesday, members of Central Iowa Democratic Socialists of America and Des Moines Black Liberation Movement, gathered outside the Iowa State Bar Association to protest a panel discussion hosted by Iowans Supporting Israel. The event featured state legislators Dan Dawson, Carter Nordman, Dawn Driscoll, Austin Harris, and David Young, who recently returned from a tour of the Zionist regime, where they were fed a one-sided narrative justifying the ongoing genocide and occupation in Palestine.
We carried the message “Not Another Bomb” loud and clear, demanding an immediate ceasefire and the end of all military aid and support for the genocide that continues to devastate Palestinian lives. Over 40,000 Palestinians—men, women, and children—have already been killed in this latest escalation.
We organized this protest in direct response to the event held by Iowans Supporting Israel, a group we believe promotes apartheid policies and enables the ongoing illegal occupation and genocide in Palestine. Iowans Supporting Israel has long facilitated connections between supporters of the Zionist regime and U.S. politicians, including organizing these tours for Iowa Democrats and Republicans. Their leaders have also lobbied for legislation that attempts to ban criticism of Israel, prohibit students and public employees from making decisions about pensions and other institutional investments, and more.
Every year, Iowa taxpayers send $25 million worth of military aid to Israel. While groups like Iowans Supporting Israel lobby to increase that figure, we say that money belongs here, funding vital services for Iowa workers like health care, education, housing, and public transportation.
Free Palestine. Free Congo. Free Sudan. Free occupied lands. End apartheid and colonialism everywhere. We cannot and will not stand by while our elected officials celebrate the loss of innocent lives and plan for more destruction.
Central Iowa DSA and Des Moines BLM are committed to continuing this fight. We will keep pushing for an end to this genocide, we will counter the lies spread by Zionists, and we will keep holding our leaders accountable.