Protesters gather in front of the Israeli Embassy before heading to the White House (Eddie Kim)

Protesters led by several organizations gathered in front of the Israeli Embassy near Van Ness this afternoon in response to the deaths of nine pro-Palestinian activists by Israeli naval commandos while seizing control of their ship. The vast majority of the protesters were comprised of members from ANSWER, Code Pink and The US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation. Although the embassy appeared to remain closed, a minimal police presence stayed to watch over the picketers.

Chants included calls to close the embassy and to end aid to Israel. Many protesters carried quickly made signs ranging from, “Let Gaza Live: End the Israeli Occupation” to, “Israeli Apartheid Kills;” and despite the weather, one protester braved a full reaper costume while remaining silent.

As of 5 p.m., organizers planned to move the protest down to in front of the White House by car and Metrorail.