Pro-Israel Conference Faces Opposition from Pro-Palestinian Activists in Denver
In the wake of the abhorrent acts of cruelty by Hamas against Israeli civilians, Governor Jared Polis addressed attendees at the Global Conference for Israel in Denver on Thursday evening.
However, the event faced opposition from pro-Palestinian activists who aimed to disrupt the conference and voice their grievances.
Pro-Palestinian activists from the Colorado Palestine Coalition and DSA Denver attempting to disrupt. (VIDEO: Twitter)
Approximately 60 protesters assembled near the Colorado Convention Center's blue bear, chanting, shouting, and banging on windows. Their intention was to be loud, visible, and hostile towards what they perceive as their enemies. These disturbances were audible from inside the convention center, where the annual conference organized by the Jewish National Fund-USA was taking place.
The conference has gained attention due to the recent deadly attack by Hamas on southern Israel, resulting in the loss of over 1,200 lives and the capture of nearly 250 people as hostages. In response to the attack, the Israeli military acted, leading to the unfortunate deaths of over 13,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, according to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry. This has escalated tensions globally.
Despite the disruptions, Governor Polis delivered welcoming remarks, acknowledging the pain caused and emphasizing the importance of standing together against hate in all its forms.
The governor's presence at the conference drew criticism from the Colorado Palestine Coalition, labeling him the "hypocrite-in-chief" and accusing him of welcoming individuals they perceive as Islamophobic and racist genocidaires. The coalition has called for the shutdown of the conference and previously disrupted a City Council meeting with their protests.
Among the attendees, Yaron Marcus, an Israeli-American and vice president of the Mountain States region of the Jewish National Fund-USA, shared that his parents were subjected to derogatory slurs and insults as they entered the conference. Marcus clarified that the organization he represents is a nonprofit focused on humanitarian and philanthropic endeavors in Israel, with no ownership of land.
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Governor Polis, who is Jewish, defended Israel's right to defend its citizens against Hamas and respond to the brutal murders and hostage-taking.
Hamas has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States, Canada, and the European Union. Polis's spokesman emphasized that hate against any faith will not be tolerated in Colorado and that efforts to intimidate or prevent people from speaking at the conference should not succeed.