Tax day incites anti-war protests across Southern California

Widespread protests took place across the country on April 15, as protestors gathered in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Long Beach, New York, San Francisco and San Diego. The demonstrations were a coordinated economic “Tax Day” protest against the war on Gaza and against the United States’ continued financial support of Israel's military bombardment overseas. 

The national call to action, "No business as usual," urged business owners to shut down shops and encouraged workers to stay at home. Several of the targeted actions in Southern California aimed at interrupting the regular flow of business operations while others sought to block access to airports and cause delays on the freeway.

A car caravan stalled traffic for approximately 15 minutes across the 710 Interstate starting at 8:00 am. Protestors in cars drove at approximately 10 miles per hour just north of the 405 Interchange, stopping traffic several times. Meanwhile, coordinated action from OC Banner Drop saw another group of demonstrators waving Palestinian flags and dropping signs near the overpass.

In downtown Los Angeles, hundreds showed up at Pershing Square to express support, marching in solidarity with the people of Gaza. The rally began with speeches by event organizers and continued with a march throughout the financial district. Several protestors carried signs with statements such as “Stop the genocide,” and “End the occupation now.” 

Protesters in Long Beach gathered at City Hall calling for an end to the military occupation. Speakers represented local activist groups such as OC Justice, SoCal Uprising, Peace Action Liberation Initiative  (P.A.L.I.) and C.O.R.E. Movement. During the event, some attendees shared encouraging words and poetry, while others emphasized Black and brown solidarity. One speaker stated, "Palestine is the litmus test. It's the test to see if you truly hold humanity dear."

The Long Beach City Council passed a resolution supporting a ceasefire in Gaza in November 2023. However many believe more needs to be done as over 31,184 Palestinians have been killed and 72,889 injured since then.

“The cease-fire proclamation is not enough!” asserted Alyssa Gutierrez, a Long Beach resident and community organizer. Gutierrez spoke to CALÓ News about why people around the country were mobilized to act. “Our tax money is being used to fund Israel, to fund the occupation and to bomb thousands upon thousands of children,” she said.

Despite the national outcry, U.S. President Joe Biden has mostly maintained his support of Israel. The U.S. has given Israel $3 billion to $4 billion a year in military aid during the past decade and a half. It was only recently that the President began to shift his stance on the United States' support of Israel. This change came after seven aid workers from the World Central Kitchen were killed in airstrikes.

The situation in the Middle East has also become more complex due to Iran's involvement. Iran and its allies conducted a drone and missile airstrike targeting military bases throughout Israel, following Israel's attack on its embassy complex in Syria. This retaliation has further escalated the regional tensions triggered by the ongoing Gaza conflict, increasing the likelihood of a large-scale conflict in the Middle East. 

With public pressure increasing and an upcoming election year looming, President Biden has made it clear that U.S. policy will be based on Israel's actions towards Gaza. It remains to be seen how Israel will respond to these concerns.