Protest of the lavish AIPAC fundraising gala amidst the horrific Siege of Gaza lead by the Israeli apartheid government:

At 6:30 PM on Thursday, January 29, ten young activists peacefully blocked the two main entrances to the Marriott Marquis hotel in Times Square to protest the annual American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Fundraising Gala. The action, which lasted just under two hours, coincided with a 250-person protest rally in front of the hotel, separately organized by the Break the Siege On Gaza Coalition—Student Committee. All ten activists were arrested, spurring the conscious escalation of pro-Gaza activism.

More than a month after Israel began its massive assault on Gaza and amidst international protests, AIPAC held a $1500-a-plate fundraising dinner, its largest event of the year. The event was attended by prominent business people, lobbyists and U.S. politicians, including New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The blockade disrupted what the participating activists considered a disgraceful gathering.

The Marriott blockade comes on the heels of several similar actions opposing
Israel’s recent conduct that have occurred in cities around the world such as Toronto and San Francisco and at over a dozen universities in England. In its scope, tactics, and goals, the movement to end the Israeli occupation of Palestine recalls the movement that arose in opposition to Apartheid in South Africa. Campaign participant Conor Tomás Reed said, “the blockade is a contribution to this international struggle and can serve as a catalyst for future actions.”
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This group has been created to shed light on exactly what those activists are fighting for in solidarity with the Palestinian people. And to say that AIPAC members and contributors should be the ones being arrested.
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Who exactly is AIPAC?
AIPAC, or the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, describes itself as the most important organization affecting the U.S. relationship with Israel. With a budget of $65 million, and membership now standing at over 100,000, it is no wonder that congressional staffers consider it one of the most powerful and effective lobbies on Capitol Hill. Once a year, AIPAC holds its annual conference in Washington DC. This May it was attended by over 5,000 participants. Its annual policy conference is one of Washington’s largest gatherings of lawmakers, topped only by the President’s State of the Union address.

Basically AIPAC lobbies the US lawmakers to push forward pro-Zionist legislature. Such as:
HR 4681:Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006. This bill restricts humanitarian aid to Palestinian territories, designates Palestinian territory as a “terrorist sanctuary," and prohibits official Palestinian diplomacy or representation in the United States. This bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 361-37.

It also funds itself by member contributions and fundraisers.
It is describe as "currently one of the most powerful and connected lobbying groups in Washington."

AIPAC lobbies for financial aid from the United States to Israel, helping to procure up to three billion in aid yearly. The Washington Report on Middle East Affairs has estimated total aid since 1949 at about $108 billion.

The New York Times described AIPAC on July 6, 1987 as "a major force in shaping United States policy in the Middle East."

More to come. Including updated Press release and statements.
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Protest of the lavish AIPAC fundraising gala amidst the horrific Siege of Gaza lead by the Israeli apartheid government:

At 6:30 PM on Thursday, January 29, ten young activists peacefully blocked the two main entrances to the Marriott Marquis hotel in Times Square to protest the annual American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Fundraising Gala. The action, which lasted just under two hours, coincided with a 250-person protest rally in front of the hotel, separately organized by the... (read more)