Harrison Lilley

Staff Writer

hjl5363@psu.edu

HARRISBURG, PA – In a pivotal demonstration against the Pennsylvania state government’s investments in Israel, more than 100 protesters were arrested on the steps of the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg on Monday. According to KDKA, a spokesperson for the Department of General Services, which includes the Pennsylvania Capitol Police, stated that 126 individuals were taken into custody during what was described as an unpermitted and unauthorized demonstration.

The protesters, many donning T-shirts with the message “divest from genocide,” engaged in clapping and chanting, directing their protest against the state Treasury Department’s investment in Israel bonds. The event was organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, the Philly Palestine Coalition, and the Pennsylvania Council on American-Islamic Relations, beginning Monday morning outside the Capitol and later transitioning to the Rotunda in the early afternoon.

A significant symbol of the protest was a large sign calling for the reinvestment of state tax money into healthcare, housing, schools, and climate initiatives. The air resonated with chants of “free Palestine” both before and after the arrests. Dani Noble from Jewish Voice for Peace suggested a higher arrest count, estimating that 186 people were taken into custody.

Lilah Saber, a participant in the protest, emphasized the specific focus on the state’s investment in Israel bonds. “We did not plan on being arrested, but we were arrested,” Saber said, indicating the unexpected escalation of the protest.

Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity, a Republican, has defended the state’s longstanding practice of investing in Israel bonds. This practice, shared by state treasurers from both political parties for over 30 years, saw an increase in the state’s share in Israel bonds by $20 million following the Hamas attack that led to the war in Gaza. The current investment stands at $56 million, in addition to approximately $8 million in other Israel-based securities, comprising about 0.14% of the total funds actively managed by the Treasury Department.

The protestors were ordered to disperse before being arrested, issued citations for trespassing, and then released, as reported by the Department of General Services spokesperson.

This information has been provided according to KDKA’s reporting on the recent events at the Pennsylvania Capitol.