Nine arrested after ‘die-in’ at Friends of IDF office

NEW YORK — Nine protesters against Israel’s Gaza operation were arrested inside the Manhattan offices of the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces.

Some two dozen protesters gathered for the “die-in” at FIDF’s New York office on Tuesday. The incident was organized by Jewish Voice for Peace and Jews Say NO, groups opposed to Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians.

Twelve of the protesters entered the offices and began reading aloud names they said were Palestinians killed in Gaza.

“The employees became upset and eventually called the police,” said Lizzie Busch, one of the JVP protesters.

Busch and two other protesters left the office when police arrived and ordered them to vacate, according to Donna Nevel, a JVP board member. The remaining nine protesters, including JVP’s executive director, Rebecca Vilkomerson, were arrested.

Some reporters were on hand to witness the incident. FIDF declined to comment.