On July 13, independent candidate for U.S. President Diane Sare held a highly visible rally outside the Manhattan office of Sen. Chuck Schumer on 3rd Avenue, demanding a rejection of the provision in the NDAA that would integrate the U.S. and Israeli militaries. Ten people participated, with two large signs saying “Stop NDAA Sec. 219: No Merger with Israeli Military.” Independent candidate for Congress Karen Ortiz also participated in the rally, at which several hundred copies of Sare’s statement were distributed.
Many passers-by were familiar with the debate, knew of the specifics of the legislation, and were eager to sign up to take action.