Portland, OR – On Sunday, March 23, Portlanders rallied at Terry Schrunk Plaza to reject the Trump administration’s mass deportations and demand legalization for all undocumented immigrants in the United States. The assembled crowd was 100 strong and was made up of people of all ages.

Sky Reimer, a member of Students for a Democratic Society at Portland State University (SDS) spoke on the need for solidarity between the student, anti-war and immigrant rights movements, citing ICE’s detainment of Palestinian student activists Mahmoud Khalil and Leqaa Kordia. Reimer. They said, “These racist policies of our universities aren't just happening at Columbia, they are happening countrywide.” Reimer later said, “By getting into the streets to protest Trump's agenda, we prove that the people hold the power, that we hold the power.”

Cass Cano of Portland Contra las Deportaciones (PDXCD) brought up the paper-thin justifications used by ICE to detain and deport immigrants, including incredibly broad definitions of gang affiliation tattoos. Over 200 Venezuelan immigrants were recently detained by ICE and moved to an El Salvadorian prison with a history of human rights abuses. These immigrants were not given due process. “The cruelty is the point,” Cano explained.

Holly Brown of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) declared, “The so-called ‘war on immigration’ is nothing more than a war on the working class. It is a war designed to keep people in constant fear – fear of deportation, fear of detention, fear of separation from families. It is designed to create a permanent underclass of workers who can be exploited without the full rights and protections that should belong to every human being, no matter where they were born!”

After the speeches, the crowd took to the streets and marched through downtown Portland, chanting, “No ban, no wall, legalize them all!” and “No fear, no hate, no ICE in our state!” Bystanders voiced their solidarity as the march went by, and some joined along.

This protest came one month after another pro-immigrant march organized by many of the same groups, in which organizers were harassed by the Portland Police Bureau and fined over $2000 for traffic violations. The groups involved are still in the process of fighting these politically motivated fines, and demand that the citations be dropped by Portland Mayor Keith Wilson and Police Chief Bob Day.

#PortlandOR #ImmigrantRights #PDXCD

Portland, OR – On Monday, March 3, organizations involved in the February 23 anti-deportation protest held a press conference outside the Portland Police Bureau’s (PPB) central precinct headquarters to speak out against police harassment of protest organizers, harassment that endangered people participating in the march.

Speaking at the press conference were organizers from Portland Contra las Deportaciones (PDXCD), Portland for Palestine (P4P), and Extinction Rebellion. News organizations attending the conference included The Oregonian, KOIN, KATU and KGW.

Beatriz Ibarra, a member of PDXCD, explained to the gathered press, “To ensure the safety of the demonstrators in the march, cars and a decommissioned fire truck driven by supporters led and followed the crowd.”

Ibarra went on to say, “Before the march started, we had come to an agreement with a police officer that the march was cleared to go by the First Amendment. Despite this understanding, the police officers intimidated organizers in a process of aggressive but cowardly bullying that culminated in physical harassment of the protesters, and citations were given to two vehicles.” The fines from the citations totaled over $2000.

Bella Smith, who was harassed by a police officer at the march stated, “As a marshal with a high visibility vest, my job is to protect protesters from things like motor vehicles as they move through the streets. While the protest was at the intersection of 6th Avenue and Madison, a police officer hit me with his motorcycle, then immediately started threatening me with a citation, not asking if I was okay. Hitting me with a motorcycle for protecting the protesters from motor vehicles proves exactly why my role was necessary. We cannot allow there to be a precedent that keeping people safe comes with the penalty of being harassed, cited and assaulted with a deadly weapon.”

Michele Darr of P4P, one of the drivers for the protest, stated, “I have provided vehicular crowd support countless times before, ensuring the safety of people exercising their First Amendment rights. I have never experienced any problems – until now.” Darr then detailed the underhanded way in which PPB handed out the citations, “The citations were not issued at the time when the violations allegedly occurred, but an hour later and several blocks away. This blatant attempt to fracture the infrastructure of support and thereby silence our calls for justice is not only illegal, it’s an unacceptable incursion on our first amendment rights.”

Closing out the press conference was Omar Gil of PDXCD, who announced the plans of the coalition going forward, “We plan to fight the fines in traffic court and also launch a civil lawsuit against the Portland Police Bureau for their attacks on our First Amendment rights and for directly interfering with the safety of our protest.”

Gil then reiterated the demands of the coalition, urging the mayor and police chief to end the harassment and drop the fines, stating, “Mayor Keith Wilson claims he stands with immigrants and has stated his intent to uphold Oregon’s status as a sanctuary state. And yet, under his watch, Portland Police are repressing pro-immigrant protests. We want more than just words, we want action. We demand Keith Wilson and Bob Day drop the fines and end the harassment of protesters.”

After a question and answer section at the end, P4P and PDXCD rallied outside the police precinct, with chants of “Bob Day, drop the fines! We will not pay a dime!” and “We will not be silent! PPB end the violence!”

#PortlandOR #OR #ImmigrantRights #InJusticeSystem #PoliceCrimes #PDXCD

Portland, OR – On Sunday, February 23, Portlanders gathered at Terry Schrunk Plaza early afternoon to stand against Donald Trump, his most recent attacks on immigrants, and the escalated ICE repression happening throughout the country.

Despite the heavy rain, a couple hundred protesters came out to stand with immigrants and march through downtown Portland, demanding legalization for all, and an end to deportations.

Cass Cano, a member of Portland Contra las Deportaciones, told the crowd, “The United States isn’t the victim of immigration, it is immigrants that are victims of the United States. Their homes have been devastated by U.S. imperialism. Homes that would be much better places to live in if the United States would end their plunder of the world! That is why we demand legalization for all and an end to deportations!”

Latinos Unidos Siempre (LUS), a youth-led organization from Salem, also spoke at the rally. LUS is currently campaigning against Salem Keizer School District’s implementation of “YONDR” pouches, a magnetized phone pouch meant to lock student’s access to their cell phone, even during break times and lunch. This greatly affects immigrant children and families, restricting them from reporting immigration enforcement activity and checking in on their families. LUS demands an end to the “YONDR” phone pouches program and the reinvestment of those funds into emergency response resources for immigrant families.

Other organizations that spoke at the rally were Portland for Palestine (P4P) and Students for a Democratic Society at Portland State University (SDS). Mutaz Alshawa (P4P) drew parallels between the Israeli abduction of children in Palestine and the violent separation of families by ICE here in the United States. Finn Cunningham (SDS) spoke on the importance of fighting for the safety and protection of immigrants on campus, directly challenging Trump’s authorization of ICE raids in schools.

Holly Brown, of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO), stated, “We demand political power for the oppressed, which includes our immigrant brothers and sisters!” FRSO is a national group of revolutionaries fighting for socialism and national liberation in the United States.

After the program, the crowd took the streets and marched through downtown, with chants like Chants like “¡El pueblo unido, jamás será vencido!” and “No fear, no raids, no ICE in our state!” People looked out of their homes and waved in support and other observers joined the march. People honked and raised their fists out their windows in solidarity as they drove by. The people weathered the constant downpour and strong winds, the energy was high from beginning to end.

There was heavy police presence during and after the demonstration and march. They circled the demonstration before and during speeches. During the march, a cop riding their bicycle on the sidewalk ran into a protester in a wheelchair. One police officer drove a motorcycle toward an organizer wearing a reflective vest as she blocked traffic from entering the intersection while the march passed through. This officer on the motorcycle hit the organizer. Luckily, she is unharmed. The officer did not apologize but threatened the organize with citations while she was protecting the crowd from oncoming cars.

Shortly after the protest, two vehicles that helped keep the march safe were pulled over and given citations, away from the crowd. The fines totaled well over $2000.

“A march is an exercise of our First Amendment rights against political repression. The usage of traffic citations to deter us from taking the streets is a demonstration that the cops do not care about protecting our rights or the safety of the public,” said Simon McGrath.

The Portland Police Bureau's revamped “Public Order Team” was out in force. Officers on this team received a 6% salary increase, costing the city an extra $380,000 annually. The increased spending and presence is a direct reaction to the expected resistance of the new presidential administration. A new police oversight board was approved in 2020, meant to replace the current police accountability body. After being scaled back in 2023, members of the new board are set to be chosen this year.

The organizers are committed to fighting the citations and seeking justice for the harassment exerted by Portland police. The Portland Contra las Deportaciones, with help from Portland for Palestine, organized the rally and march. Other endorsements included Students for a Democratic Society at Portland State University, Latinos Unidos Siempre, Abolish ICE PDX, and Freedom Road Socialist Organization.

#PortlandOR #OR #ImmigrantRights #LUS #PCD #P4P #SDS #FRSO #LUS

Portland, OR – On Sunday afternoon, February 16, pro-Palestine group Portland for Palestine held a rally outside the Pioneer Courthouse in downtown Portland. The rally’s goal was to “Tell Trump that Gaza is not for sale,” referencing his threats since February 4 to have the United States buy Gaza, occupy it, then ethnically cleanse it of all Palestinians.

Despite heavy rain at the beginning and a last-minute shifting of the location due to construction work in neighboring Pioneer Courthouse Square, 40 people showed up to the event and gave their support.

Portland for Palestine member Omar Gil, stated, “While genocide Joe tried to cover up his war crimes, Trump speaks bluntly of the true intentions of the imperialist United States. But his callousness is only representative of one thing, and that is the heightened social consciousness regarding Palestine. There is no longer a need to hide the facts because more and more people have awakened to the true purpose of the United States and all its exploitation and oppression.”

One of the attendees, Elijah Thahir stated, “I just want to be active in some way or any way in protesting what [the United States] has done and what it’s doing to the Palestinian people. Overall, it kind of just feels like, especially as an American, that I have to do something, you know?”

Cars passing through the city streets honked their horns and people raised their fists in approval of the rally, to the cheers from the crowd.

The rally ended with many gathering around the table set up by the organizers to become more involved with Portland for Palestine’s future events. The people of Portland have made it clear that they will continue to stand up to Trump, even as the Democratic Party refuses to.

#PortlandOR #OR #PeoplesStruggles #Trump #Palestine #AntiWarMovement

Portland, OR – On Sunday evening, February 2, pro-Palestine protesters gathered at the Newmark Theatre in downtown Portland to oppose Oregon Senator and apologist for Israel, Ron Wyden, who was speaking at an event promoting his new book.

Despite the cold weather, around 40 people showed up to stand against Wyden. The protest was organized by Portland for Palestine.

The protest began shortly before the event and went on well after its end. The crowd gathered at the intersection in front of the theatre. They held Palestinian flags and signs that read “Stop arming Israel” and “Gaza will be your political grave.” Opposite the main crowd, another group of protestors held “War crimes Wyden” and “Boycott Ron” banners. With high energy, chants of “Ron Wyden shame on you, war crimes is what you do!” and “From the belly of the beast, no justice no peace!” rang throughout the crowd. Passersby and attendees received a pamphlet detailing Wyden’s complicity in genocide.

Portland for Palestine member Mutaz Alshawa gave a speech about continuing to fight for Palestinian liberation and the ongoing attacks on the West Bank. “The genocide is still going on,” exclaimed Alshawa, “they are bombing Jenin right now. When we say never again, it’s never again for anyone! We can’t let Zionists like Wyden come into our city and continue their business as usual!”

Wyden is one of the top recipients of AIPAC, a pro-Israel lobbying group. He voted in favor of defunding UNRWA, the main supplier of humanitarian aid in Gaza. While he releases and promotes a book on progressive politics, Wyden remains backwards on Palestine, refusing to acknowledge the genocide in Gaza.

#PortlandOR #OR #AntiWarMovement #Palestine

Portland, OR – On Saturday, January 25, about 200 people rallied at Terry Schrunk Plaza in Portland for a post-inauguration protest of Donald Trump. Many protesters held signs denouncing Trump and in defense of the people’s movements. After the rally, the protesters took the streets in a march through downtown.

Portland for Palestine organizer Kacey DeSantis welcomed the crowd, saying, “It is so good to see Portland standing against Trump and his reactionary, right-wing politics. As he repeals over 60 years of progressive legislation, we show up today to say that we will not go backwards. We must fight back against these attacks on our communities!”

Immediately after taking office, Trump greenlit action against immigrants, allowing raids to be conducted in churches, schools and hospitals. As a response, Mayor Keith Wilson reaffirmed Portland’s status as a sanctuary city and the importance of immigrants in our community. Despite this, local organizations and activists have become more vigilant due to the increased ICE presence across the country.

Omar Gil from the Freedom Road Socialist Organization spoke to the crowd, “these attacks were not possible without the inaction of the Democrats. Under Biden, border militarization and deportations continued. Trump is not an isolated evil; he is the inheritor of a system that operates like this by design. He is a representation of the fetter that capitalism has on the progression of society!”

Mutaz Al-Shawa spoke of his own experience as a Palestinian with family in Gaza, the utter defeat of Israel in accepting a ceasefire, and the inevitability of Palestinian liberation. Elaine Armstrong of CODEPINK Portland spoke of her personal experience growing up during the northern Ireland conflict, drawing parallels to the immense trauma that the children of Gaza have endured during the past 68 weeks of genocide.

When asked about Gaza, Donald Trump’s reactionary rhetoric is one of “cleaning out” Gaza, forcing neighboring countries to take in Palestinians, in an attempt to end the Palestinian national liberation struggle.

Sky Reimer, a member of Students for a Democratic Society at Portland State University, spoke on student’s rights and the importance of putting pressure on Portland State University administration. Portland State is currently under federal investigation for violation of Title VI, a section of federal civil rights law that protects students from discrimination based on race, color or national origin.

Reimer stated, “Islamophobic posters, hate speech, and harassment are allowed on campus. Meanwhile, PSU administration reprimands and expels students for protesting PSU’s ties to the genocide of Palestinians. They've put pro-Palestine organizations on probation, threatening them with dissolution. But the truth is clear, the administration is scared of us. They're scared because by fighting for positive change alongside each other, by joining organizations like SDS, we can make positive change, both on campus, and in the world!”

Trump has voiced support for the police crackdowns on the student encampments of 2024. He has vowed to increase repression on students, threatening foreign students with deportation if they dare to struggle against their administrations’ties to Israel and war profiteers.

Other speakers included a Starbucks Workers United member on worker’s rights and the necessity for class struggle unionism, and an organizer from the People’s March on women’s rights and healthcare.

During the march, protest chants like “No Trump, no KKK, no racist USA!” and “No ban, no wall, sanctuary for all!” echoed throughout the crowd. Cars drove past honking in support. Bystanders waved and raised fists in solidarity, some of them joined the march. People from a pro-immigrant demonstration also joined the march as it passed by Pioneer Courthouse Square.

The march ended with high energy and many people showed interest in how to get further involved. When asked about the event, Raea Dente replied, “What always has me coming back to events like these is community, uniting with others and passionately fighting for our collective future. It’s so empowering to see people show up and fight back together- this rally showed the heart and determination that Portland has.”

The organizers concluded the protest by urging attendees to organize and to continue building the mass movements necessary for the fight against Donald Trump and his right-wing reactionary agenda. The protest was organized by Portland for Palestine in coalition with SDS, FRSO and CODEPINK.

#PortlandOR #SDS #FRSO #CODEPINK #PortlandForPalestine #FreePalestine #SBWU #Trump #Inauguration #PSU

Portland, OR – On Saturday November 9, nearly a hundred people gathered at Sunnyside Park in southeast Portland for a rally and march organized by Portland for Palestine (P4P). Protesters took to the streets to showing solidarity with Palestine and refusing to allow the election outcome to undercut the struggle for Palestinian liberation.

P4P member Kacey DeSantis opened with, “The election has been called but our demands remain the same! End all U.S. aid to Israel! End the billions of unrestricted taxpayer dollars being sent to the settler state committing a genocide! Palestine and the death of an estimated 200,000 women, men and children is not an afterthought! It is not just an election issue and it is not a policy issue to be dealt with later!”

There was an increased police presence at the park. A bicycle squad was spotted, and patrol cars drove around the neighborhood. A handful of news stations and newspapers spoke to organizers and attendees alike.

FRSO member Holly Brown remarked, “All over the world, oppressed nations are fighting back against imperialism. In the Middle East, Palestine is leading the way! Here in the United States, millions were in the streets this past year, demanding an end to the genocide. The movement is growing, and rapidly. The United States is weakening, and that is a good thing. It is one of the main obstacles to peace and justice, not only here, but around the world!”

During the march, people yelled chants like “End the aggression, stop the crimes, Israel/U.S. out of Palestine!” and “When Palestine is under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back!” The police made announcements demanding the protesters move onto the sidewalk. The people stayed on the road until the end.

Before the march, P4P member Finn Cunningham announced a divestment campaign, declaring that “Portland’s government has been more than helpful in this genocide, having invested millions of dollars in companies that sell products and weaponry to the IOF. Join us today as we take a stand against Israel and against our tax dollars funding death, violence and genocide. As residents and taxpayers of Portland, we do have a say and we do have the ability to make an impact!”

Portland for Palestine is resolute in their solidarity. They will continue to demand an end of U.S. aid to Israel and stay in the streets until Palestine is free. Their campaign aims to end Portland’s complicity in genocide and take a step towards Palestinian liberation.

#PortlandOR #OR #AntiWarMovement #Palestine

Portland, OR - Over 100 people gathered Portland’s Sewallcrest Park on October 7 to protest one year of escalated genocide in Palestine. The date is marked the one year anniversary of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, an operation carried out by Palestinian resistance groups that targeted Israeli military bases just outside of the Gaza strip; a historic display of resistance against the, at the time, 75-year occupation of Palestine. The event was organized by Portland for Palestine.

Signs around the rally read “Stop arming Israel,” “Fund schools not genocide,” “End the occupation” and “Nothing justifies genocide.” 

The rally began with a speech from Mutaz Al-Shawa, a member of Portland for Palestine with direct ties to Gaza, who stated, “this has been going not just for a year, but for over 100 years.” He encouraged the crowd to action, “being quiet and sitting in the back saying ‘oh, I’m sorry,’ this doesn’t help, we have to stand and fight!” 

Speakers for the evening’s program also included members from Resist U.S. Led War PDX, People Organizing for Philippine Solidarity (POPS) and Freedom Road Socialist Organization PDX (FRSO).

 The rally turned into a march down Hawthorne Boulevard, taking up half the street and blocking one-way traffic. During the march, chants such as “We rise up, we mobilize, no more funding genocide!” “We want justice, you say how? Stop bombing Gaza now!” and “Resistance is justified, when people are occupied!” echoed from the crowd and were heard by drivers, shoppers and those dining and sitting outside.

Many people came out of shops and restaurants to observe the march, some recording on their phones and raising their fists in solidarity; cars rolled by and honked and waved their hands out of windows. As the march turned down a residential street to make its way back up the main road, a few people came out of their houses and joined in on chants from their doorsteps. 

Local Oregon news station, KOIN Channel 6, was on the scene to document both the rally and march. The event was featured on the 11 o’clock news that evening. During the segment, the coverage of the protest was juxtaposed by Oregon Senator and AIPAC poster child Ron Wyden’s reassertion that “Israel has a right to defend itself,” a statement he made at a meeting earlier that day. 

The march wrapped up after about one mile back at the park from which it started, with the crowd in unison chanting “Palestine will live forever!”

Kacey Desantis ended the day's events with some closing remarks. “The fight for Palestinian liberation is the fight for liberation of all oppressed people! Going forward, the fight for collective liberation will be hard won by all of us working together. When we dare to struggle, we dare to win!”

When asked about what they thought about the night’s event, Holly Brown stated, “Tonight showed me that the people stand with Palestine. We will continue to show up, march in the streets and demand an end of U.S. aid to Israel, for as long as it takes.” 

Portland for Palestine affirms their commitment to the struggle for Palestinian liberation for as long as Palestine is under occupation. They continue to demand an end of all U.S. aid to Israel in all forms and aim to target the different ways Portland, Oregon is complicit with the Zionist occupation.

#PortlandOR #FreePalestine #PortlandForPalestine #AlAqsaFlood

Activists from cities across the country, including Portland, Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and New Orleans joined the webinar to learn how to carry out divestment campaigns in their area.

Finn Cunningham, an attendee involved in Palestine solidarity work in Portland, Oregon, said “It was very helpful to hear the specifics from each presenter on what tactics worked in their cities. We will be taking these lessons and applying them to our work at home.”

The Anti-War Action Network plans to host more educational events and is calling for national days of action for Palestine on October 5 through 7. Those interested can follow them on Instagram at @antiwaractionnetwork.

#PortlandOR #OR #AntiWarMovement #AWAN #Palestine #NOSHIP #AWCMN #SJAW

Portland, OR – On Monday, August 26, the organization Portland for Palestine (P4P) held a protest at the Leupold and Stevens manufacturing facility in Beaverton, Oregon. About a dozen protesters showed up to expose Leupold’s involvement in supplying the Israeli occupation with rifle scopes and other telescopic technology.

The protesters were met with hostility. Beaverton police department vehicles were spotted making the rounds. Leupold stationed armed private security guards at both driveways leading to their main facility.

Leupold and Stevens Inc. has been supplying the Israeli occupation army since around 2017. A $2.72 million contract with the Israeli occupation forces bought 800 of the company's Mark-6 telescopes. P4P member Omar Gil stated, “It is very likely that these scopes were used in the killing of children, men and women during The Great March of Return demonstrations that took place in Gaza between 2018 and 2019. There are numerous filmed instances of snipers maiming or murdering Palestinians. How despicable that such proof exists and the merchants of death at Leupold continue to supply the Zionists!”

Protesters marched on the street in front of Leupold and held signs calling them war profiteers and demanding divestment. They echoed chants such as “Leupold, Leupold, we know you! Genocider through and through!” and the more targeted chant, “Christopher Maerki you can’t hide! You’re committing genocide!” Christopher Maerki is the international and OEM sales manager for Leupold and Stevens. He is responsible for the sale and distribution of equipment to military and law enforcement agencies across the globe.

Mog Clark, a member of People Organizing for Philippine Solidarity (POPS) and the Resist US-Led War Movement, gave a speech in solidarity, stating, “We condemn all war profiteers and their disgusting acts of violence against the masses. Leupold and Stevens, we see you for the imperialist pawns that you are! We will not rest until you, and all other war profiteers, are brought to your knees before the mighty Palestinian and Filipino movements for national liberation. From Palestine to the Philippines, stop the U.S. war machine!”

Many Leupold employees ended their workday by driving past the protest. A few of them were spotted peeking through the blinds, catching a glimpse of the demonstration.

P4P member Finn Cunningham gave some closing remarks, stating, “We came here to disrupt Leupold and we accomplished that. We have created a conversation among the workers about our presence and their company’s involvement in the ongoing genocide. So long as companies in our backyard continue to profit from the ethnic cleansing of Palestine, we will be there, protesting at their doorstep.”

As we are nearing a year into the Gaza genocide, and without an end of U.S. aid to Israel in sight, Portland for Palestine vows to continue spotlighting war profiteers such as Leupold, and demand that they divest from the Israeli occupation.

#PortlandOR #Portland #AntiWarMovement #Palestine #P4P #POPS

Portland, OR – On April 13, Oregon Democrats arrived in Portland for the annual Wayne Morse Gala, Oregon’s largest democratic fundraising event of the year. When representatives arrived at the Hilton Hotel, they were met with a group of 50 protesters demanding Oregon Democrats stop funding the genocide of Palestinians.

The disruption was organized by the local group PDX for Palestine, which instructed attendees to bring noise makers, pots and pans, and instruments to “Get Loud for Gaza.” This was in response to the most recent spending bill approved by every Oregon Democrat in the U.S. House and Senate that allocated another $3.8 billion to Israel.

Protesters were stationed at both entrances to the hotel for four hours to ensure that all attendees would hear their message to end U.S. aid to Israel. When confronted with the stark reality that, while they enjoyed a nice meal, the children of Gaza would be spending another night hungry, the Democrats and their donors showed no remorse for their actions. Most simply thanked the crowd for coming, while others showed outright contempt. One attendee even went so far as to physically assault a protester while trying to grab their kufiyah from their face.

Lina Aziz, a Palestinian American organizer with PDX for Palestine called out the hypocrisy of the Democratic Party, stating, “We cannot allow [the Democratic Party] to continue to claim the moral high ground while funding ethnic cleansing in Palestine. We cannot allow them to continue to present themselves as champions of social justice while implementing racist policies that harm the very communities they claim to support.”

As the night went on, the crowd grew in size and spirit. In an attempt to keep disruptors outside of the event, hotel security refused entry to attendees with purchased tickets who were deemed too high risk. They were not entirely successful in this attempt, though, and at least one disruption inside the event was able to take place.

Protesters from outside of the event were also able to make their way inside the hotel with a banner that read “Gaza will be your political grave.” They were quickly met by violent hotel security and escorted out by the police. In response, protesters began chanting, “Portland PD, KKK, IDF you’re all the same” as they pounded on the locked doors and windows of the hotel.

The demonstration continued until the end of the gala at 9 p.m. with zero arrests or injuries to protesters. PDX for Palestine organizer Omar Gill closed the event out with a reminder, “We must continue steadfast in our unrest and demand that our government end its aid to Israel! Without the U.S., the occupation will perish!”

#PortlandOR #OR #AntiWarMovement #International #MiddleEast #Palestine #PDXforPalestine

Gresham, OR – On April 9, PDX for Palestine staged a demonstration, effectively blocking access to Boeing, a major weapons manufacturer. They voiced their demand for an immediate end to U.S. aid to Israel.

“Boeing has directly contributed to the death of Palestinians and the destruction of Palestine by supplying bombs since and long before October 7,” stated Kacey DeSantis, a member of PDX for Palestine.

Demonstrators stated their refusal to allow Boeing to continue operations uninterrupted while supplying a genocidal state with weapons. The crowd chanted, “Boeing, Lockheed, Honeywell, take your greed and go to hell!”

Cars lined up as employees tried to go to work and ultimately were forced to turn around. Police showed up ten minutes into the action and tried to intimidate demonstrators into leaving, but the crowd held strong until tow trucks were brought in, at which point the group was able to successfully exit without any arrests or injuries.

Mantak Singh, a member of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, said, “If anything, today shows that Boeing was humiliated. Even with an army of riot police and tow trucks we left on our terms and we’re just everyday folks. If this is what we did for our first action, just imagine what we can do in our future.”

In their closing remarks, a member of PDX for Palestine vowed to continue the struggle for Palestinian liberation and an end to all U.S. aid to Israel.

#GreshamOR #PortlandOR #OR #AntiWarMovement #International #MiddleEast #Palestine #FRSO #Boeing #Feature

Portland, OR – On March 30, hundreds of protesters marched through the streets of Portland and across two of the city's bridges, effectively disrupting traffic throughout the city for close to four hours. They demanded the end to the illegal Zionist occupation, and the right of return for exiled Palestinians to their homeland world.

The event was organized by Zaytuna of the PNW, a group of Palestinian organizers leading protests and actions for the free Palestine movement in observance of Land Day.

Land Day is commemorated every year on March 30 to commemorate the day in 1976 when six unarmed Palestinians were killed by Zionist forces for protesting the illegal settlements and continued theft of Palestinian land by Israel.

A statement from Zaytuna of the PNW noted, “On this day, we will resist, we will remember, and we will rise together in strength and in numbers not only demanding the humiliating collapse of the IsNotReal [Israel] genocidal campaign and illegal occupation, but to make it very clear that we will never forget, and we will surely never stop until Palestine is free!”

Attendees gathered at Pioneer Square in downtown Portland where they were taught a traditional Palestinian dance called the dabke before organizers spoke on the importance of holding our government responsible for its complicity in this genocide. Organizers condemned the Biden administration’s unwavering support of Israel, promising not to forgive or forget come November the horrible things Biden has done with our tax dollars. This was met with enthusiasm by the crowd who chanted back, “If we don’t get a ceasefire, we won’t vote!”

The crowd of over 200 protesters marched for four miles across both Burnside and Hawthorne Bridges, the first march to close two bridges in the city on the same day. The march lasted approximately four hours, causing traffic delays throughout the city. Jade Wood, who attended the march, stated, “Zaytuna’s events are always very powerful and get a lot of people’s attention!”

As protesters marched through shopping districts, the sound of their chants echoed off store fronts as shoppers and workers alike ventured outside to take photos and observe the march. Many showed signs of support, flashing peace signs or waving kufiyahs from their windows.

On the bystanders' support, attendee Chris Rohlfing remarked the cheers show that, “the people won’t stand by any longer quietly accepting what is happening in Palestine. The gap between the government and the people is widening every day on this. To the point of irreconcilability.” That gap was certainly present among the crowd of protesters who carried signs that read, “U.S. out of Palestine” and “Fund schools, not genocide.”

The protest ended back at Pioneer Square with the sun shining high and protesters in high spirits. As the crowd dissipated, a young boy who couldn’t have been more than three years old took hold of the megaphone calling out, “Gaza, Gaza don’t you cry, we will never let you die!” which was met with quiet support from the crowd. It was a reminder that it is up to all of us to continue fighting for Palestinian liberation and collective liberation.

#PortlandOR #OR #AntiWarMovement #International #MiddleEast #Palestine #ZaytunaPNW

Portland, OR – On March 24, at 1:30 p.m. three dozen protesters gathered at Couch Park in the Nob Hill neighborhood of Portland to show solidarity with the Palestinian struggle and their opposition to the Zionist occupation.

The event was led by local group Portland for Palestine. This protest was called in response to the attack on the Al-Shifah Hospital.

Mutaz Alshawa, a Palestinian American who has lost family members to Israeli forces, said, “Whether you are Muslim, Christian, Jew, Democrat, Republican or Independent, we are all human and should empathize with the suffering and tragedy occurring in Gaza.”

“As citizens and workers of the world, it is imperative that we challenge and struggle against the U.S. imperial machine, Israel’s number-one accomplice,” said Omar Gil, one of the protest leaders.

After more speeches, the demonstrators marched for two miles through the busy Nob Hill and Goose Hallows neighborhoods. Many people in the neighborhood showed support, including workers, shoppers, drivers and Portland Timbers Major League Soccer supporters.

Holly Brown, a member of PDX for Palestine said, “We must go beyond simply marching in the street to confronting those who profit off of and enable Zionist violence, such as war profiteers.”

#PortlandOR #OR #AntiWarMovement #International #MiddleEast #Palestine #PDXforPalestine

Portland, OR – On March 16, 50 people came out to Chapman Square in downtown Portland to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian resistance and to demand an end to U.S. support of the Zionist genocide.

The rally and subsequent march lasted for two hours. The rally was the first one called by PDX for Palestine (PDX4P). Organizers and protesters gave speeches in support of the Palestinian resistance and demanding justice, denouncing the Israeli war crimes.

Speaking to the protest, Elijah Morton said, “Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that no amount of international pressure and criticism over civilian casualties will stop Israel. This is a clear admission that the Zionists occupiers have no shame when it comes to violating international law. Israel is a rogue nation!”

Speakers from the crowd denounced Israel, and spoke about the news industry’s complicity in genocide, as well as repression on social media platforms for standing in solidarity with Palestine.

Chants such as “Gaza must have food and water, Israel, Israel stop the slaughter!” and “No more hiding, no more fear, genocide is crystal clear!” were echoed by the crowd and led by PDX4P members Kacey Desantis and Morgan Jenson.

Many cars honked and drivers waved in support of the demonstration. Pedestrians joined the march as it continued past hotels and other commercial spaces downtown. Onlookers took photos and videos, while some raised fists in solidarity.

Holly Brown reminded protesters that, “This is an opportunity to organize those who are waking up to the reality of imperialism and capitalism into a larger struggle that is able to fight back effectively. The United States sends billions of dollars to the Zionist occupation every year while people here sleep on the streets. We don’t have healthcare, the cost of living is skyrocketing, and people’s wages have stayed stagnant. We share a common enemy with the Palestinian people, so we will continue to organize and escalate the fight in solidarity with our comrades in Palestine.”

So long as the United States continues to enable the Israeli occupation and the Palestinian genocide, PDX4P will continue to mobilize in support of the Palestinian resistance and to demand an end of U.S. aid to Israel.

#PortlandOR #OR #AntiWarMovement #International #MiddleEast #Palestine #PDX4P

Portland, OR – On February 10, a crowd gathered at Pioneer Square in Portland to protest the ongoing genocide in Gaza, and demand an end of U.S. aid to Israel. As the crowd chanted, “Palestine is our demand! No peace on stolen land!” passersby joined in the rally and spoke to organizers handing out leaflets.

Omar Gil from Freedom Road Socialist Organization said, “We stand with Palestine because we know the military operation on October 7 was a just response by the Palestinian resistance against a nearly century-old Zionist occupation.”

Holly Brown pointed out the need to continue organizing and taking to the streets for Gaza as “Israel begins its assault on Rafah, attempting to push 1.4 million refugees into Egypt.”

The rally ended with protesters agreeing to continue the struggle for the liberation of Palestine.

#PortlandOR #AntiWarMovement #International #MiddleEast #Palestine

The union has not released full details on the new agreement, but one thing that they point to is that there are hourly wage increases each year of the four-year contract. A picture of the agreement was leaked on social media which appears to show a 2.25% raise the first year, followed by 60-cent raises each of the next three years. The union also says that they have preserved their healthcare, won 401k matching, and made gains on some workplace policies.

One of the main issues the workers struck over was forced overtime, where workers often had to work six or seven days of every week and do long unscheduled shifts. It is unclear currently if gains were made on this front in the new contract.

Not all of the striking workers agreed that this new offer was better, or good enough to return to work. In Portland, local union members there say that over 200 of the workers in their area voted against the new contract and to continue striking, saying that the new offer was not much better than the previous one which they had rejected. It is unclear how deep this split opinion runs in other parts of the country but is clear that the decision was a divided one.

#PortlandOR #PeoplesStruggles #strike #Strikes #Bakery #Confectionery #Nabisco #TobaccoWorkers #andGrainMillersInternationalUnionBCTGM

Portland, OR – Over 150 workers took to the streets in Portland this May Day, led by a coalition of anti-imperialist and migrant-led organizations including the International Migrants Alliance (IMA), the International League of Peoples Struggle (ILPS) and the Portland branch of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization.

Speakers addressed the crowd, practicing chants and going over safety before demonstrators departed in two columns; a marching group traveled over the Tilikum Bridge while a car caravan traveled to the Federal Justice Center. Protesters rhythmically honked their horns and shouted chants, demanding “international solidarity” and calling out “Get up! Get down! There’s a workers’ movement in this town!”

Speeches continued on the bridge and in front of the federal building before both groups continued their processions to the Portland ICE building.

The federal police arrived in SUVs shortly after the protesters arrived. The police lined up and menaced the crowd of working families with batons and gas cannons before retreating into the ICE facility. The crowd remained in front of the building chanting and listening to speeches and performances from activists until the event was concluded by organizers that evening.

#PortlandOregon #PortlandOR #MayDay #PeoplesStruggles

The crowd marched from Portland State University campus to Pioneer Courthouse, part of the Ninth Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals. Demonstrators chanted anti-police slogans and the names of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and other recent victims of police violence.

“Last year the country was electrified by the call to support Black Lives. The forces of progress took to the streets and demanded justice. From Minneapolis to Jacksonville, New York to Portland, we demanded an end to the daily violence perpetrated against us by the police,” stated Keadin Stayer, of the Portland Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression.

“Today we stand united in saying what happened to George Floyd, what the murderer Derek Chauvin and his accomplices did, will not be forgotten, will not be accepted, and will not be ignored. We march to teach those in power that we too are powerful,” Stayer continued.

After the speeches, protesters continued to the Multnomah County Justice Center, headquarters of the Portland Police Bureau.

#PortlandOR #PeoplesStruggles #PoliceBrutality #Antiracism #GeorgeFloyd #DerekChauvin #OR

The Portland District of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization condemns the extrajudicial police killing of Michael Reinoehl. The system that cops uphold claims to derive its legitimacy from “equality before the law.” Nothing could be further from the truth in Michael Reinoehl’s death by federal agents.

As well, the fact remains that this ‘equality’ does not extend to the Black, Chicano and Native American peoples within this country. The oppressed peoples of the U.S. can see the breadth of this ‘equality’ every time their brothers and sisters are brutalized by the police and the system of terror they uphold. This ‘equality’ was on full display in Kenosha recently after a white supremacist with blood on his hands passed unimpeded across police lines, just minutes after shooting protesters who were demonstrating to end the barbarous excesses of state cruelty.

As capitalism's crisis of legitimacy deepens, we can only expect the police in the United States to expand their use of extrajudicial killings, and side even more clearly with reactionary militias and vigilantes to stamp out popular dissent. The casting off of the veil of neutrality by the police is the mechanical reaction of the state to powerful mass movements. This is the history of the U.S. government in response to mass movements for change, let alone revolution.

Our people will not cease in the struggle against imperialism and national oppression, both at home and abroad. With unwavering determination, we will continue to take action against the state and all of the forces of reaction it employs against us. Fight on!

#PortlandOR #PeoplesStruggles #PoliceBrutality #frso #Trump #Oregon #MichaelReinoehl