Veterans For Peace members joined Voices for Creative Nonviolence in a series of vigils and protests over a three day period to bring awareness of the horrific war in Yemen. The United States has been sending weapons and funds to Saudi Arabia, including the Lockheed Martin bombs that killed 34 school children. On Thursday, November 9th, Voices for Creative Nonviolence, joined by VFP members blocked the Saudi Consulate.
Jack Gilroy of VFP Binghamton, NY says, "18 of us blocked the entrance way to the Saudi Consulate in NYC yesterday. Never saw so many cops emerging with handcuffs dangling —then a two hour standoff while names of Yemeni children killed were chanted by Buddy Bell"
Kathy Kelly, VFP Advisory Board member and VCNV Co-Director also writes:
"By 11:30 this morning, about 90 people had gathered at the Isaiah Wall for a procession to the Saudi consulate. The mourning women led our march, garbed in large masks and veils, holding limp grey dolls that represent the thousands of children facing death in Yemen. Jun Sun and a companion followed, their drumbeats guiding us. Six people carried placards describing the terrible attack on a children's schoolbus in northern Yemen. The attack happened on August 9, 2018. This week, children who survived went back to their classes, carrying backpacks splattered with blood. People willing to risk arrest carried blue backpacks and signs naming the children who had been killed. Others followed with banners. Nick Mottern joined us with a drone replica, an apt reminder of U.S. aerial attacks and drone surveillance in Yemen.
Felton Davis and Ed Kinane held a banner and blocked the entrance to the U.S. Mission to the UN. They were later released without charge.
The procession continued past the Saudi Mission to the UN and over to the Saudi Consulate on Second Avenue. Members of our group swiftly set up a presence in front of three entrances to the building, urging people not to enter because it is too dangerous. Criminal activities have been going on and all who have cause to be in the building should be aware of the crucial importance of ending the murderous, tortuous activities carried out by the Saudi government. As Buddy Bell intoned the names of children killed on August 9 and raised a lament for Yemen families, our response was "We Remember You." We sang and chanted for at least two hours. At least two dozen police carrying plastic cuffs arrived, along with Detective Bogucki, who recalled arresting some of us during the late '90s and in the years leading up to the Shock and Awe bombing in Iraq. Then, we protested the sacrifice and slaughter of Iraqi Children. Detective Bogucki said we are preaching to the choir when we tell him about crimes happening inside the consulate and other offices that prolong war in Yemen. We recognize our complicity, - we believe "the choir" must unite by resisting child sacrifice, - child slaughter.
Word arrived from one of the blockade groups that the New York Police Department had decided not to arrest anyone in our group. We eventually formed a circle, confirmed our collective determination to continue our outreach, witness and resistance, expressed many thank yous, and dispersed.
Our hearts remain with Yemeni families agonizing over the dire plight of loved ones in Yemen. We thank Yemenis who have stood up, in more precarious settings, to call for an end to the fighting. And we look forward to remaining in touch with all of you."
Check out these pictures from Felton Davis or these that were posted on our Instagram!