Through the Static

By Hannah Saunders

Former Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) soldier, Ira Kohler, was meant to have a major speaking event in Seattle, hosted by StandWithUs Northwest, on August 20, but it turned out to be a major flop. Seattle’s Palestinian activists tirelessly jumped on and broadcast the event location onto social media, despite StandWithUs Northwest changing it numerous times, including to Mercer Island.

“Zionism is done! It’s the end of Zionism! You’re going to read about it in the history books, and that’s it. Done everywhere across the world!” a speaker with Nidal said, adding how Zionists will soon learn that they will no longer have the ability to host public events or receive public recognition.

About 20 people turned out to the start of the victory rally, hosted on Cal Anderson Park’s play-field. Attendees lined the fences with Palestinian flags, and pictures of martyrs and those still unlawfully imprisoned, including Hadi Halawa and Ali Younis.

Ken of the American Party of Labor Puget Sound Division also provided remarks, and said that Kohler, like other IOF soldiers and Zionists, should not be allowed to exist in peace. She added that Israel does not have a right to exist.

“For over 100 years, the Zionist project has perpetrated death, destruction, and cruelty among the world through collaboration with Nazi Germany and the United States through campaigns and forced displacement, through horror, and monsters,” Ken said.

Zionist propagandist Ari Hoffman posted to his X account that Kohler’s event was moved to a private location, and shared a picture where 15 attendees, including Kohler, were sitting on lawnchairs in what appeared to be the backyard of a private residence. Hoffman claimed that there were additional attendees via Zoom.

“It pays to be smarter than your enemies,” Hoffman said, as the group hid, too scared to face protesters.

As the sun began to set, attendees set up a banner along the fences that said “GENOCIDERS OUT OF SEATTLE,” and the group broke out into small teams to kick-off a celebratory football match, as some lounged engaging in conversation. More people gathered, with some onlookers blasting rap and Hip-Hop music, bringing more energy to the pitch.

Community members interested in becoming involved in regular, pro-Palestinian and anti-war football matches are encouraged to contact the Fedayeen Football League.

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