Musician Dave Matthews joined the crowds protesting against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address before Congress on Wednesday.
Matthews spoke to Al Jazeera about why he attended, saying he was “disgusted” by Congress supporting the Israeli leader.
“I just think it’s terrible when the majority of the world is looking at this man and what he’s doing in Gaza and then also what he’s overseeing in the West Bank and East Jerusalem that we’re welcoming into the so-called sacred halls of our government,” Matthews explained. Singer Dave Matthews is disgusted by the show of support for Netanyahu in US congress just like the rest of us
Via @AJEnglish pic.twitter.com/sFb32SJEvp
— Abier (@abierkhatib) July 25, 2024
The popular musician continued, “This has been an ongoing struggle for people that just want to have dignity and be able to live independent lives and dream of a better future. And this man is the is the pinnacle of the obstacle toward that freedom and that we have visiting the country is obscene. It’s a disgusting show of support for someone that doesn’t deserve our support.”
“I’m ashamed that my tax dollars are going to the brutalizing of an entire people,” Matthews asserted. “It’s shameful. And I’m ashamed that our government is welcoming him here.” “I am ashamed that my tax dollars are going to the brutalizing of an entire people.”
—American musician Dave Matthews protesting against Netanyahu’s visit
— sarah (@sahouraxo) July 25, 2024
Five family members of Israeli hostages were reportedly arrested during Netanyahu's speech after about a dozen of them walked out in protest.
The family members wore bright yellow shirts under their jackets that read "Seal the deal NOW," which they had unveiled for the protest. Alon Gat, brother of remaining hostage Carmel Gat and husband of released hostage Yarden Roman Gat, stands up during Netanyahu’s speech to call for a hostage deal.
We are demanding a hostage deal even in America. Do not let Netanyahu silence us. pic.twitter.com/y9gKoJaM74
— We Are All Hostages (@AllHostages) July 24, 2024
The arrests were first reported by Jerusalem-based reporter Noga Tarnopolsky, who initially said three relatives were arrested — but soon updated the figure to five. 💥 While Netanyahu expounds, congressional police arrested *three family members of Israeli hostages who wore t-shirts reading "Seal The Deal NOW." pic.twitter.com/ZJfHL3PFia 💥Five family members of Israeli hostages were arrested by Capitol Police https://t.co/HZP5TFuYvr
— Noga Tarnopolsky נגה טרנופולסקי نوغا ترنوبولسكي (@NTarnopolsky) July 24, 2024
— Noga Tarnopolsky נגה טרנופולסקי نوغا ترنوبولسكي (@NTarnopolsky) July 24, 2024
The walkout occurred as Netanyahu was vowing to bring their relatives home. Carmit’s brother & father were murdered by Hamas. Her mother is a hostage in Gaza. She’s being arrested for asking for deal to bring her Mom home & end horror that her family & too many other Israeli & Palestinian families have endured for 292 days. Today is a very shameful day https://t.co/rLT0oy2ZNF
— John Lyndon (@JohnLyndon_) July 24, 2024
Times of Israel reporter Jacob Magid reported, "Several relatives of the hostages being held in Gaza have walked out of Netanyahu's address to Congress." Several relatives of the hostages being held in Gaza have walked out of Netanyahu's address to Congress.
The PM goes on to pledge not to rest until the hostages are home, leading the vast majority in the room to stand and applaud save for roughly a dozen or so hostage families
— Jacob Magid (@JacobMagid) July 24, 2024
Magid continued, "The PM goes on to pledge not to rest until the hostages are home, leading the vast majority in the room to stand and applaud save for roughly a dozen or so hostage families."
