As protests demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza intensify across the United States, Jewish-led peace organization IfNotNow helped organize a protest outside the Democratic National Committee's (DNC) headquarters in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday. The demonstration aimed to draw attention to the urgent situation in Gaza and put pressure on Democratic Party leaders to take action.

Protesters joined hands, blocking the entrance to the DNC building, when they were met with pepper spray and police use of force. Eva Borgwardt, the national spokesperson for IfNotNow, condemned the police response, stating, "Let's be clear that police escalated the protest." Borgwardt, who is Jewish, emphasized that as Jews, their values and safety are closely linked to calling for an immediate ceasefire.

The protest at the DNC headquarters was one of many happening across the country, organized in part by two Jewish organizations: IfNotNow and Jewish Voice for Peace. The demonstrations aim to hold political leaders accountable for their response to the ongoing violence in Gaza.

Meanwhile, the Biden administration has come under increasing pressure to call for a ceasefire. However, instead of advocating for de-escalation, the White House has reportedly expedited the delivery of more arms to Israel. The United States recently sent laser-guided missiles, new army vehicles, bunker-buster munitions, and additional ammunition to Israel. Furthermore, the U.S. abstained from a United Nations Security Council vote that called for extended humanitarian pauses in Gaza.

In California, at least 81 protesters were arrested after they blocked traffic on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge for several hours. Likewise, in Boston, protesters shut down the Boston University Bridge in solidarity with the calls for a ceasefire.

The incident outside the DNC headquarters turned violent, with Capitol police forcefully removing protesters who were peacefully demonstrating. Images captured from the scene contradict the police's claim that the protesters pepper-sprayed officers, as it was the officers who deployed pepper spray and used force to disperse the demonstrators. According to protest organizers, at least 90 people were injured, while Capitol police reported injuries to six of their officers. One person was arrested.

Lawmaker Brad Sherman, who was inside the DNC during the protest, labeled the demonstrators as "pro-terrorist, anti-Israel protestors." However, this characterization has been strongly refuted by protest organizers who highlight the diverse and grief-stricken backgrounds of the participants, including Jews who have lost loved ones during the recent violence.

As attention turns to the Democratic Party's response to the Gaza crisis, Vermont Congressmember Becca Balint became the first Jewish congressmember to call for a ceasefire. In contrast, Senator Bernie Sanders, also from Vermont, has not yet taken a stance in favor of a ceasefire, leading to disappointment and concern among activists.

Amidst these developments, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has reportedly increased its support for primary challengers against lawmakers who express support for a ceasefire. Slate magazine has estimated that AIPAC may spend up to $100 million in Democratic primaries, specifically targeting House progressives.

The protests and mounting pressure on political leaders underscore the deepening divisions within the Democratic Party and the need for a comprehensive and immediate response to the Gaza crisis. As the situation in Gaza continues to escalate, activists and organizers continue to call for an end to the violence and for politicians to listen to the voices of their constituents demanding peace and justice.