Pro-Palestinian supporters protest outside Jewish Community Center

Gregory Hasman, Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
·3 min read
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Mar. 25—In front of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque entrance was a flag that read "Zionism is Genocide. Free Palestine."

Behind the flag, Siihasin Hope led several chants as people walked in a circle carrying signs protesting Israeli Consul General of the Southwest Livia Link-Raviv's appearance at the JCC.

They said things like "Occupation is a crime." "We are all Palestinians." and "Long Live Palestine" when a black Chevy Silverado attempted to turn onto a street leading into the community center parking lot.

After briefly stopping, the driver drove slowly in among several protesters, before getting through. It did not appear anyone was injured.

Veterans for Peace member Bill Tiwald, who also saw the incident, said he was going to the police so they could investigate what happened.

They could have really hurt someone, he said.

Tiwald and Hughes were among about 150 people who weathered the chilly, overcast Monday evening to express their anger against Link-Raviv's appearance at the JCC.

The coalition of protestors came from groups such as Jewish Voice for Peace, Anti-Fascist Action and members of the Quaker community.

Protesters wanted the event to be canceled like Link-Raviv's previous engagements in Santa Fe and Houston were, in part, because of her interview with a Houston media outlet in October 2023 when she said there wasn't a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

"There is a speaker here who is denying the genocide that is going on," protester Jerome Chavez said.

The Jewish Community Center announced it closed its doors at 4 p.m. to host a "last minute special event requiring the full attention of our staff on hand."

While the event was private, John Wertheim with Jewish Community Relations Coalition said it was wrong for the protesters to try and shut down the event.

"But they were unsuccessful."

Sara Lowry, one of the estimated 150 people to attend the protest, used to teach folk dance at the JCC, but left in October when the Israel-Hamas War began.

"I was so conflicted, the people at the JCC are loving, caring people, but they're not willing to break with Israel's tough stand on genocide," Lowry said.

Another person who joined the protest was Charles Howell.

"I am an Air Force veteran and at one time was ready to fight during the Cold War," he said. "I cringe to think that at one point I was ready to destroy the world with no thought.

"I think it's always better to try and work this out."

During the event, Wertheim said Link-Raviv's talked about how people wanted to see the conflict end.

Any solution to the problem, Wertheim said would need people to be empathetic and understanding to one another.

As the sun set, the protesters continued walking in a circle holding signs that said "Bombing Kids is not self-defense" while chanting "No justice, no peace."

This issue is so important that "we have to keep bringing it to the public eye," said Santa Fe resident Rahima Schmall.