Veterans for Peace, July 4, 2025

A press conference held Monday morning, June 30, 2025, marked the conclusion of the 40-day Veterans and Allies Fast for Gaza at the UN in New York City, the location where fasters and supporters had held daily vigils since May 22 to demand UN action to end genocide and starvation in Gaza. Almost 800 people across the country took part in full and partial public and private fasting actions in solidarity with the public fast happening in New York

“It is with mixed emotions that I report [the conclusion of this fast], as the starvation and murder of Gazans continues. But our efforts have brought many, many onboard, and educated thousands with our social media posts and on the UN site vigil each and every day.” 
– Fast for Gaza organizer Linda Novenski

Given the dire situation in Gaza, one faster described the fasting action as arising from a moral imperative to show up anyway. The press conference was followed by a march and a street-blocking die-in where people held posters with the words Don’t Look Away: Gaza is Starving. About 30 protesters were arrested. Photos were taken by Ellen Davidson; you can see her full album HERE. For video coverage of these actions, check Al Jazeera television [2:07 mins] and Status Coup News [16:32 mins].  

VFP organizer and faster Mike Fernerwas arrested for a solo bold action carried out at the U.S. Embassy across from the UN. Mike’s action was beautifully documented by Sam Husseini in a June 30 Substack post titled “Have Some Blood! You Like Shedding It All Over the World So Much? There You Go!” 

All of the dramatic fast-concluding direct actions were also reported the next day in Democracy Now!  headlines [starting at 4:15].