Day 3 of hunger strike for Gaza in historic Placita Olvera

Los Angeles, Aug. 3 – Mass was held on Sunday at Our Lady Queen of Angels Church in Placita Olvera, the historic center of the city. After the service, our group received much attention at the table next to our encampment. We have been participating in a hunger strike against the U.S.-Zionist Holocaust in Gaza.

After Mass, we did not get any of the negative attention that sometimes comes with political work. In fact, it was a beautiful day of solidarity. After seeing the sign – “Stop Starving Gaza – End the Occupation: Money for Jobs / Housing Not Genocide & ICE Raids” – many from the predominantly Mexican and other Latin American communities took our flyer, expressing anger at the truth of the Palestinian people.

Many unhoused people have been camping outside this church. They are very multi-national, like the wider working class: Asian, Black, Latin American, Caribbean, and white. All share the heat of the day and cold of the night – many without tents or blankets. However, sleeping and tents outside of the church are only allowed during the day.

The politicians have met the massive growth of unhoused people in Los Angeles with indifference. They spend millions to direct police and sheriffs’ departments to terrorize our neighbors, our children, our Black and Brown communities.

They are hiring militias to silence the people in solidarity with Palestine, who demand an end to the complicity with the genocide in Gaza. But not only that. They are trying to suppress the people who demand an end to the genocidal policies of the Department of Homeland Security and ICE, with the complicity of the LAPD and the Sheriff’s Department. 

A plaque at the church commemorates the history, stating that approximately 693 early residents of Los Angeles were buried in the cemetery. Those remains from 1781 included Mexican, African, Indigenous, Mestizo, and Spanish residents – many of whom were forcibly integrated into the mission system in conditions of forced labor. When the city of L.A. grew, those graves were built over. Los Angeles also has a history of multinational oppression.

Our Lady Queen of Angels graciously allowed the Harriet Tubman Center for Social Justice to create the 3-day Hunger Strike encampment on church property. They have a history of involvement in the immigration struggle, being involved in the hunger strike that helped to build the 2006 “Great American Boycott” (or “Day Without an Immigrant”) that defeated the racist, anti-immigrant Sensenbrenner bill. 

Right now, there are 20 people on the 3-Day Hunger Strike, with four fasting at the church. Although we should do little work while fasting, the response makes outreach a joy. The volunteers are incredible, and many people want to sign up for the Harriet Tubman Center. The support of people here keeps us going.