Every weekday afternoon, a retired American can be found sitting in front of a different Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) station, holding a large sign that reads, “Our Taxes Are Being Used to Kill Children and Women in Gaza – Are You OK with That?” This simple, yet powerful message has become a daily ritual of protest, sparking reactions from passersby and prompting conversations about the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

As commuters approach the station, the retiree watches their faces, observing their reactions to the sign. If someone’s eyes linger on the message, a flyer is offered with a smile. On average, 40 to 50 people accept one each day. The flyer’s front side provides a summary of the Holocaust, the creation of Israel, its occupation of Palestine, and the blockade of Gaza. The back encourages readers to consider redirecting the portion of their federal taxes that funds the Gaza conflict to any peacemaking organization instead of the IRS.

The protest is not without its challenges. Last week, a young woman paused as she passed by, telling the retiree, “I read your flyer. It is powerful, and I have begun resisting my war taxes.” Such moments of connection reinforce the retiree’s commitment to the cause, despite the occasional hostility encountered. Once or twice a week, a Zionist will shout or hurl insults, but far more often, people stop to express gratitude. Some praise the retiree’s courage, ask questions, or engage in lengthy discussions about the issues at hand.

One memorable incident occurred this past spring. A Zionist began shouting and waving his arms in the retiree’s face, attempting to intimidate him. Suddenly, a loud voice from behind commanded, “Leave Mr. Peters alone!” The aggressor immediately backed off. The retiree turned around to see a tall, well-built African American man standing 20 feet away. Though unfamiliar, the man seemed to know the retiree, who asked, “How did you know my name?”

“I had a conversation with you last year when the film ‘Oppenheimer’ came out,” the man replied, referring to the fact that the retiree’s father had helped Oppenheimer build the bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

Jokingly, the retiree asked, “Did God send you to be my guardian angel today?” The man laughed heartily, replying, “No one has ever accused me before of being on God’s side.”

This daily act of resistance carried out with quiet determination, reflects the retiree’s unwavering commitment to raising awareness about the suffering in Gaza and challenging the use of taxpayer money to fund violence. It is a testament to the power of individual action in the face of overwhelming odds and a reminder that even small acts of courage can inspire others to stand up for what is right.