Pro-Palestinian Group Calls for Activists to "Shut Down" Israel Conference in Denver
A pro-Palestinian group in Denver is urging activists to "shut down" the upcoming Global Conference for Israel, a four-day gathering of Jewish leaders and supporters of Israel.
The conference, organized by the Jewish National Fund-USA, is set to begin on November 30th at the Colorado Convention Center.
Jewish National Fund-USA builds a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel through bold initiatives and Zionist education. (WEBSITE)
The annual conference has become a focal point for local reactions to Israel's recent war in the Gaza Strip, which was launched in response to a deadly terrorist attack by Hamas on Israeli soil.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis, who is Jewish, is scheduled to speak at the event's opening night. The Denver Police Department has stated that it is working closely with the organizers to ensure a safe event.
The Global Conference for Israel is expected to attract approximately 2,500 attendees to downtown Denver. This is the 22nd annual gathering, with last year's conference taking place in Boston.
Pro-Palestinian activists have been organizing events in Denver, including interrupting the Colorado legislature's special session on property taxes. On the Colorado Palestine Coalition's Instagram account, the organization has declared that "Zionists," "racists," and "genocide apologists" are not welcome in Denver, specifically referencing the upcoming conference. However, it remains unclear what exactly an attempted shutdown would entail.
Abdullah Elagha, an organizer with the Colorado Palestine Coalition, expressed his criticism of the Jewish National Fund-USA.
Elagha accused the organization of having a direct hand in the brutalization of Palestinians for decades, pointing to the war in Gaza and the building of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank as concerns. Elagha argued that the state of Israel, or any of its affiliated organizations, should not be fundraising in Colorado during what he refers to as a "genocide," citing the number of Palestinians killed since the war began.
Israel initiated air strikes and ground incursions in Gaza after Hamas terrorists carried out a brutal attack, killing over 1,200 Israelis and taking more than 200 people hostage. Israel declared war on Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, Canada, and the European Union.
While the conference was planned well before the recent hostilities, the escalating situation is bound to impact the event.
Sam Goldberg, president of the Jewish National Fund-USA Mountain States board, acknowledged that there are reasonable critiques of Israel that will be voiced at the conference. However, those who support Israel's destruction are unwelcome.
Elagha's personal interest in the war stems from his family's experience in Gaza. He shared that his family has lost over 30 members due to Israeli airstrikes since the conflict began.
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Governor Polis's spokesman, Conor Cahill, confirmed that the governor intends to deliver his remarks at the conference as planned. Cahill emphasized Polis's belief in Israel's right to defend its citizens against Hamas and respond to the brutal murder of Israeli citizens. He also emphasized that hate against any religious group, including Jews, Muslims, or Christians, will not be tolerated in Colorado.
Cahill added: “Here in Colorado, he has made it clear that hate against Jews, Muslims or Christians will not be tolerated, and that includes ensuring that any effort to intimidate or prevent people from speaking to a group of Jewish Americans convening in Denver does not succeed.”