May 12, 2024

Red Square, University of Washington, Seattle WA

Less than 200 supporters of Israel, some associated with the Christian church/corporation, Pursuit Northwest, met at Red Square at the University of Washington in an rally and march intended to disrupt the UW Palestinian Solidarity encampment.

While the 1000 who were expected never appeared, those who support Israel’s occupation of Palestine came ready to instigate, with some carrying brass knuckles or a taser. The encampment remained on their side of the barricade as Israeli supporters continued to encroach. Police from the University of Washington and Washington State Troopers kept the two separate at the beginning.

As the pro Israel march was re-routed away from the encampment, instigators made their way to the sides of the UW Quad in a feeble attempt to enter the Pro-Palestine area. Anti-fascists, also known generally as “black bloc” met the group at every entrance they tried to enter, and successfully defended the camp at the barricades. Some Pro-Israel instigators got close enough to have their flags snatched, which could have been avoided had they kept their distance. A taser was used by a Pro-Israel demonstrator who was subsequently pepper sprayed for his deployment of an (in this case) offensive weapon.

Ari Hoffman, a local activist known for his distaste of homeless people and those who demand an end to genocide, made his way to each entrance, filming and shouting at Pro-Palestine demonstrators. He was followed by his children and occasionally joined by disgraced journalist Jonathan Choe. Hoffman’s American flag was stolen and despite his pleas of desperation to UW police, all he received was a business card in return.

Despite the many attempts to start fights by the Pro-Israel side, the UW encampment kept them out, and the event ended without any arrests.