Thousands gather in pro-Palestinian protests across New York City
Thousands of people took to the streets Friday evening in the latest example of what have become almost daily protests in New York City over the war between Israel and Hamas. This time, pro-Palestinian protesters held banners and signs demanding a ceasefire in the bombardment of Gaza.
Earlier in the afternoon, several rallies drawing hundreds of people took place at various points in the city, including Union Square, JP Morgan’s offices on Madison Avenue and Governor Kathy Hochul’s New York office, near the headquarters of the United Nations. the New York Public Library near Bryant Park. The group then began its march through Midtown Manhattan.
As demonstrators made their way through the center of the city, they waved Palestinian flags, held handmade signs with messages such as “Ceasefire now” and chanted “Free Palestine.” The crowd stretched for several blocks, occasionally stopping in front of Pennsylvania Station and the New York Times building.
Debbie Bitar, 69, who marched with a Palestinian flag over her shoulders, said she hoped the rallies would attract the attention of politicians and pressure them to call for a ceasefire and help from the United States to end Israel.
“Every day I see Palestinian people being slaughtered,” Ms Bitar said. “This cannot continue to happen.” Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7 killed about 1,200 people, according to Israeli authorities, and the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 11,000, according to Gaza health officials.
Actress Susan Sarandon has been a regular presence at protests across the city in recent weeks and was among the crowds that first gathered in Union Square.
“A terrible thing has happened where anti-Semitism has been confused with speaking out against Israel,” Ms. Sarandon said. “I am against anti-Semitism. I am against Islamophobia.”
As the group advanced along West 43rd Street back toward Bryant Park, someone painted “Free Gaza” on an MTA bus stuck in protest-related traffic.
In downtown Brooklyn, not far from the Williamsburgh Savings Bank building, hundreds of people gathered Friday evening outside the district office of Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York, the minority leader, also calling for a pause in the war.
The crowd, made up of both adults and children, grew as the evening progressed. They chanted ‘no more money for Israel’s crimes’. Mr. Jeffries’ office could not immediately be reached for comment.
Halima-Joy Elliston, 25, said she disagreed with the US government’s support for Israel’s continued bombing of Gaza. Ms Elliston said she came to protest outside Mr Jeffries’ office on Friday in solidarity with the Palestinians.
“They need a voice,” she said.
Since the beginning of the war, New York City has seen demonstrations on its many college campuses, where tensions run high; at landmarks such as the main public library in Bryant Park and the Statue of Liberty; and at transit hubs, such as Grand Central Terminal.
Reporting contributed by Liset Cruz And Camille Baker.