An anti-Israel protester advocating the boycott of Israeli companies SodaStream and Sabra Hummus at the 2104 AIPAC Policy Conference. Photo: Algemeiner.

AIPAC’s annual policy conference in Washington, D.C., which is expected to break attendance records, with 14,000 members present at the three-day conclave, also brought out the usual anti-Israel protesters, but few were present on Sunday morning for the first session.

A marching band of mostly keffiyeh-wearing young people, banging on plastic drums and chanting over megaphones, accounted for about 25 people, circling the entrance to the event at the Washington Convention Center.

Following behind the band was a forlorn-looking woman silently pushing a shopping cart that carried boxes with Israeli brand names, including carbonated beverage machine maker SodaStream and Sabra hummus, that she wanted people to boycott.

On both sides of the street, by Mount Vernon Square, another 40 protesters harassed entering AIPAC delegates, though police were watching them closely. Another group of 10 by midday had given up their hollering, and sat quietly with their placards against the wall of the convention hall.

Beyond some name calling, the protesters, while startling and sometimes intimidating, were having little impact on the event.