On Wednesday, November 22 from 10:30am to 1:00pm, the PA Fourth District for Ceasefire (Pa4Ceasefire) initiated a peaceful protest outside of Congresswoman Madaline Dean’s Glenside office at 115 E Glenside Avenue #1.
According to Pa4Ceasefire’s Instagram post, the rally was meant to highlight “that the Cheltenham and Montco community stands against Israeli government and the genocide inflicted upon the Palestinian people and the citizens of Gaza.”
Rose Fevrier, a co-founder of Pa4Ceasefire and a 2021 graduate of Cheltenham High School, helped organize the rally.
“We started this organization in response to an email we received from Congresswoman Dean. It sparked some outrage and frustration from people in the community,” Fevrier said. “We responded in solidarity with the people of Palestine. We’re asking Congresswoman Dean for a permanent ceasefire.”
Congresswoman Dean’s email:
November 14, 2023
Dear Ms. Fevrier,
My heart is heavy. We are all shocked, stunned, by Hamas’ barbaric terror attacks in Israel on October 7; the slaughter of innocent men, women, children, babies, and the elderly in Israel; the taking of more than 200 hostages— including, it appears, Americans.
Above all, I’m grieving for those killed, including more than 1,400 Israelis, 8,000 Palestinians, and at least 27 Americans. And I’m praying for all of the families in mourning.
I condemn the brutal, barbaric attacks by Hamas on Israel—what President Biden has rightly called “unadulterated evil.”
Here are a few things we know:
-We must stand with Israel, as well as her right and responsibility to fully defend herself, secure her people, and put an end to Hamas terrorists’ brutal attacks. -We must seek the immediate, safe release of all hostages. -We must continue to advocate for the protection of innocent life, in Israel and in Gaza. -And finally, Israel and all her allies must guard against a broader war – with the goal of long-lasting peace and a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians—and anyone who calls Israel home.
We must also protect Palestinians in Gaza who Hamas has put in harm’s way, and I’ve spoken face to face with President Biden about the need to protect Gazans—including access to food, water, medical supplies, and humanitarian corridors/safe-zones.
As Israel combats Hamas, innocent Palestinians deserve safety. I commend President Biden for providing $100 million in humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people.
During this difficult time, please know that my office is a resource for constituents who need, or have loved ones who need, assistance in Israel. My office is actively helping constituents get home safely. If you need assistance or have questions, please call our office at (610)-382-1250.
You can also find resources at the State Department’s website, including their hotlines: +1-833-890-9595 and +1-606-641-0131. The State Department has also announced that beginning today, October 13, they are arranging charter flights to assist U.S. citizens and their immediate family members who have been unable to book commercial flights and seek a safe means of departing Israel. You can learn more here.
As a Member of Congress, I will continue to work to support Israel and its security, protect innocent civilians in Gaza, and secure the release of all captured hostages. Know that I take this responsibility seriously and will continue to support a long-term peaceful resolution for Israelis and Palestinians.
Sincerely,
Madeleine Dean Member of Congress
According to Fevrier, Pa4Ceasefire represents Pennsylvania’s fourth congressional district which includes Montgomery and Berks counties. Each co-founder—Fevrier, Saarah Waheed, and Brooklyn Allen— are members of Cheltenham High School’s Class of 2021.
“We as an organization are glad that the Cheltenham and Montco communities are willing to use their voices and raise awareness for the various injustices in our country and world,” Waheed said. “We hope that the Cheltenham community uses this opportunity as a seed to lead people into doing more research on our government officials and the current political climate. We are committed to spreading awareness to people about how to actively and productively be a citizen in their respective communities.”
“Congresswoman Dean called for a two-state resolution, but in the same breath, she said she supports Israel and the right to defend herself. It seemed self-contradicting,” Fevrier said. “It was disappointing and frustrating to many people she represents. She says she’s for Palestinian liberation and a two-state solution, but liberation cannot exist with Israeli occupation.”
Across the street, a group of counter protesters formed around 10:30am, describing themselves as “a group of Jewish-Americans who do not agree with the slaughtering of the Jews.”
The group also said that some of its members are loosely affiliated with the American Jewish Committee.
“We’re grateful to our American elected officials, including Congresswoman Dean, for their support of Israel and democratic values against the terror reign of Hamas,” a protester who wished to remain anonymous said. “We pray for the safe release and return of the 240 hostages held in Gaza, including many American citizens, following the brutal massacre of more than 1,200 Israeli children and elders.”
An Israeli native who was also present during the counter protest said the following:
Unfortunately, on October 7, my life changed forever. Hamas murdered my friends and kidnapped my friends’ kids. Three of them are still being held hostage. My family and I have received physical threats almost daily. Abington police are involved. We are standing united against terrorism and to bring the hostages back home. We stand for the rights of the Israeli people.
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