Gaza protests prompt California governor to hold virtual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony
Associated PressSACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Gov. Gavin Newsom won’t host an in-person Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the state Capitol this year because of concerns that protesters calling for a cease-fire in Gaza would disrupt the annual event. The tree lighting ceremony, which Newsom’s office said dates back to the 1930s, appears to have originally been scheduled for Tuesday, according to a permit posted online by the California Highway Patrol. “Governor Newsom decided to cancel the tree lighting ceremony rather than face the public that is enraged by his shameful silence on the genocide in Gaza,” one of the group’s members, Yassar Dahbour, told the San Francisco Chronicle in a statement. The Governor’s Office said Goodpasture represents “over 400,000 Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities who receive services from the state’s nonprofit regional centers.”
History of this topic
Jewish protesters calling for cease-fire in Gaza disrupt first day of California legislative session
Associated Press
Under the shadow of war in Gaza, Jesus' traditional birthplace is gearing up for a subdued Christmas
The Independent
Pro-Palestinian protesters wanted Newsom to hear them at tree lighting. He moved the event online
LA TimesDiscover Related
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Thousands gather in Australian cities for pro-Palestine demonstrations ahead of 7 October anniversary
The Independent
