Jewish group organizes protests in several US cities calling for ceasefire in Gaza

An activist group of American Jews demanding a ceasefire in Israel's war against Hamas militants in Gaza organized protests in eight US cities on December 14, blocking important roads during rush hour traffic.

As reported by Reuters, the group Jewish Voice for Peace said about 90 protesters blocked a major highway in the US capital of Washington, urging people to use alternate routes.

"I understand that it can be a challenge and I also think that our life needs to be disrupted. I hope the people [...] can understand that demanding a cease-fire, that calling attention in every way that we can to the horrific situation in Gaza makes being stuck in traffic look not that important", a protester in Philadelphia said, where the group carried out a similar protest, causing a major highway to be closed off for three hours while roughly 150 people participated in the campaign, chanting slogans such as "Let Gaza Live" and "Cease Fire Now".

Another participant in the campaign stated, that he was "a father and I am Jewish and I would much rather be home right now with my son celebrating the 8th day of Hanukkah, but I know there are fathers in Gaza that will never get to celebrate another holiday with their children".

The initiative coincided with the 8th night of the Jewish Hannukah holiday and was held, besides Washington and Philadelphia, also in Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, Minneapolis, Seattle and Portland.