California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) canceled the Sacramento Christmas tree lighting ceremony after pro-Palestine protestors said they would hold a protest.
The Regional Coalition for Palestinian Rights scheduled a December 5 Tree Lighting Protest, sharing fliers reading, “End the Genocide! End the Occupation! Ceasefire Now! Free Palestine!”
The group shared with KCRA 3 that the purpose for the protest was to “out Gov. Gavin Newsom for hiding from the public because he doesn’t want to face their anger at his shameful stance in regard to the genocide in Gaza.”
“As we continue to see protests across the country impacting the safety of events of all scales – and for the safety and security of all participating members and guests including children and families – the ceremony this year will be virtual,” a Newsom spokesperson said, according to KCRA. “The program is unchanged and viewers can tune in Wednesday evening to watch this year’s festivities.”
KCRA noted that signs near the location read, “KEEP OUT, NO TRESPASSING,” noting the area was under 24-hour video surveillance.
The Midtown Business Association posted an update to the event, saying, “As we continue to see protests across the country impacting the safety of events of all scales, we have decided not to continue with the holiday market as planned on Tuesday, December 5. We will provide updates on our holiday plans and family-friendly festivities at a future date.”
Last week, pro-Palestine activists disrupted the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting.
Pro-Palestine demonstrators shared their plans to appear at the Rockefeller Center on Instagram.
“This year, Jerusalem’s 13 official churches + the Bethlehem Municipality itself has called to suspend Christmas celebrations in mourning for the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Join interfaith groups as we honor the call from Christians in Palestine to spend this holiday season standing against the genocide of Palestinians being carried out in our name with our tax dollars,” the group Within Our Lifetime Palestine posted. “Palestine is the birthplace of Christianity, Jesus was a Palestinian, how can celebrations go on as normal when his birthplace is being attacked in the last few weeks alone 20,000 Palestinians including 8,000 children have been killed?”
