Through the Static

By Hannah Saunders

People turned out to the University of Washington on April 21, where former IOF soldier and Miss Israel 2021, Noa Cochva, was set to deliver a speech. Cochva spoke at Seattle Town Hall on April 19, and SPD violently arrested three protesters. The most recent event was cancelled last minute, and several pro-Israeli agitators showed up to disrupt.

Palestinian organizers informed the crowd that the three who were arrested were released and had all charges dropped. They highlighted how far-right propagandists and the federal government have targeted SUPER UW and Nidal, claiming that two upcoming film screenings will raise funds for the Lebanese Resistance, when in reality, the funds will support people in Lebanon who cannot leave their homes due to the ongoing bombings and brutality.

Those in attendance held Palestinian flags and signs, with one that said “Death, death to the IOF.” But not long into the event, several pro-Israel people began filming attendees, including students. Three women showed up with an Israeli and Iranian flag, and a sign that said “Iranian & proudly Zionist.” The woman with the sign began approaching people and shouting at them, making erratic hand gestures, and even pushing her body into some. The two women then tore off pro-Palestine flyers that denounced the genocide and Cochva’s cancelled event.

Additional footage is available on our Instagram, and follow and subscribe for more.

Like our work? Become a monthly donor of $5, $7, or $25 so we can keep reporting! Scroll below or visit Ko-Fi.com/ThroughtheStatic or Venmo @Saundershannah. Thanks for your support!