Close to 200 people attended a pro-Palestinian rally outside U.S. Sen. Cory Booker’s Newark office last week. They were young and old and spanned a range of religions and backgrounds.

Their common call: a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war.

The protest on Nov. 9 was part of “Stand Up for Palestine” rallies held worldwide, including also in Paterson and New York City.

Many in the crowd held up Palestinian flags as they chanted, demanding that Booker call for a cease-fire as the conflict in Israel and the Palestinian territories extends into its second month. Pro-Palestinian advocates want an end to fighting in Gaza as the situation becomes increasingly dire since Israel has cut off food, electricity and fuel.

Booker has been targeted by protesters several times, as he and other politicians have supported Israel’s actions against Hamas, which the protesters said is disproportionately injuring and killing innocent Palestinians in Gaza. Protesters were also critical that the state of New Jersey invests in Israeli bonds and maintains trade partnerships valued at $1.72 billion.

Signs that were held at the Nov. 9 protest in Newark. Pro-Palestinian advocates have demanded a cease-fire to protect innocent residents of Gaza. U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson-Coleman (D-12th) is New Jersey’s only congressional representative to call for one.

Another image from the protest in Newark on Nov. 9. A similar protest was held outside U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell’s office in Paterson. Pascrell’s 9th District is home to one of the largest Palestinian American communities in the U.S.

Protestors eventually entered the Gateway building, where Booker’s office is located. While Booker has not pushed for a ceasefire, on Nov. 3, he joined a group of Senate Democrats who called for a “short-term cessation in hostilities” to provide aid to residents of Gaza.

Police stood guard outside Booker’s Newark office on Nov. 9 as protestors gathered around them. A small group of protestors faced police, while others largely stayed back.

Nov. 9, 2023: Protestors left the Gateway building after over 30 minutes and then marched down Market Street. More pro-Palestinian rallies and protests are expected as the conflict continues.

— All photographs by Taylor Jung/NJ Spotlight News