Seattle protest targets Zionist AIPAC dinner

Around 60 people braved cold and wind to protest at the Westin Hotel as AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs

Committee, held its annual membership dinner in Seattle. AIPAC is the largest pro-Israel lobbying organization in the United States. On its website, AIPAC proudly proclaims its success in helping Israel attain “$2.46 billion in aid critical to Israel’s security.” It also trains college students to become pro-Israel activists.

The protest was initiated by Seattle Jewish Voice for Peace. Other participating organizations included Voices of Palestine, Palestine Solidarity Committee, ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism), Stand Up Seattle and Women in Black. Many protesters felt special urgency to oppose AIPAC in the context of the intensified U.S.-sponsored Israeli seige of Gaza.