PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Hundreds of people calling for a ceasefire in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas war protested at Philadelphia's 30th Street Station late Thursday afternoon for several hours. Dozens were arrested.
The hourslong interfaith rally, including faith leaders and people associated with Jewish Voice for Peace, the Philly Palestine Coalition and IfNotNow Philadelphia, gathered outside the station around 4:45 p.m., forcing delays and detours for commuters during the evening rush.
Protest organizers described the demonstration as "the biggest interfaith action for a ceasefire since the recent humanitarian crisis began."
Nina Baratti/KYW Newsradio
Outside, protesters held signs and banners calling for a ceasefire and an end to the blockade on Gaza. A number of protesters made it inside the station to unfurl banners and chant for a ceasefire on all sides of the war. Their songs echoed throughout the cavernous lobby.
"Ceasefire means stopping on both sides," Rabbi Allana Kleinman, who was a part of the demonstration. "We're asking for the Palestinian political prisoners to be swapped for hostages."
Jewish Voice for Peace, an anti-Zionist organization, was one of the groups leading this effort. The Anti-Defamation League has called it a radical group that is not representative of the mainstream Jewish community.
A large law enforcement presence was seen inside and outside the station. Police officers were seen setting up barricades near the station in anticipation of the protest.
Then around 7 p.m., groups of protesters inside the station locked arms and planted themselves on the floor and on benches. Some of them blocked gate entrances, making it tricky for commuters to get around them to hop on Amtrak and SEPTA trains.
According to Philadelphia police, 68 people were arrested for defiant trespassing and were promptly released from custody. They ranged in age from 21 to 55.
Throughout the demonstration, the main entrance to 30th Street Station was closed, but service was not impacted. SEPTA riders were diverted to a back entrance. Amtrak trains were also running, and passengers were required to show tickets before they could enter.
