Memphis Voices for Palestine will hold a rally on Wednesday as part of an effort demanding Tennessee U.S. Representative Steve Cohen (D-TN-09) call for a ceasefire between Israeli and Hamas forces as well as vote against any legislation funding or arming Israel.
The “Memphis: All Out For Palestine Protest & March” will take place from 3:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m. at the intersection of Poplar and McLean.
“Join us in demanding Congressman Steve Cohen call for a CEASEFIRE NOW, STOP FUNDING & ARMING ISRAEL, and DIVEST FROM GENOCIDE,” the group’s flier for the protest reads.
The group notes that its demands for Cohen are “immediate needs” while the “ultimate goal” is “Palestine liberation from the river to the sea.”
In an Instagram post, Memphis Voices for Palestine cites Cohen’s recent votes on a group of pro-Israel bills, his investment in the stock Raytheon, and donations he’s received from the “pro-Israel lobby” as to why he is a target of the group.
“Flood Rep. Cohen’s office with calls, emails, and faxes every day,” the group said.
Cohen voted to censure his Democrat colleague Michigan U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12) for her anti-Israel remarks and actions following the October 7 terrorist attack on the nation.
The Tennessee Democrat has also voted to pass legislation condemning pro-Palestine demonstrations across the nation as well as legislation reaffirming Israel’s right to self-defense.
In addition to its rally on Wednesday, Memphis Voices for Palestine has set up an online petition urging Cohen to comply with its demands.
“The Israeli government’s total assault has taken countless lives and continues to cause untold suffering. We call on you to use your influence to demand an immediate ceasefire. We also urge you to stop funding and arming the Israeli government, and take personal responsibility for your investments in companies that directly benefit and contribute to genocide and conflict in Palestine,” the petition reads.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Photo “Steve Cohen” by Steve Cohen.
