One of Hollywood’s busiest main intersections was shut down during rush hour today by a group advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Jewish activist groups protesting the conflict filled the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue on Wednesday. The location houses the Dolby Theater and is in the heart of Hollywood’s tourist district.
The Los Angeles Police Department said that traffic was closed around the demonstration, with protesters sitting in the intersection shortly after 5 PM.
Hollywood Boulevard was shut down between Orange Drive and Las Palmas Avenue, while Highland Avenue was closed from Franklin Place to Sunset Boulevard.
The groups IfNotNow and Jewish Voices for Peace claimed responsibility for the protest, with both urging a ceasefire in Gaza. Signs reading, “Jews say no to genocide,” and chants of “Rain or shine, Free Palestine!” were part of the protest.
The protesters gathered in De Longpre Park at 2:30 p.m before marching to the intersection.
No arrests had been made as of 6:30 p.m.
“The LAPD’s objective is to ensure public safety for ALL, while facilitating the [1st] Amendment rights of those peacefully demonstrating,” the department posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Equally the Department will enforce the law when individuals engage in acts of violence.”
