Hundreds calls for intifada in Times Square anti-Israel rally

Key Takeaways:

• Hundreds gathered in Times Square for an anti-Israel protest on New Year’s Day.
• Protesters called for an ‘Intifada revolution’ and expressed support for Palestinian ‘martyrs.’
• Jewish anti-Israel groups participated alongside other organizations.
• Incidents of racial and antisemitic slurs were directed at counter-demonstrators.
• Anti-Israel protests have become more frequent in NYC since October 7, 2023.

Hundreds Rally in Times Square

On New Year’s Day, the heart of New York City witnessed a significant anti-Israel protest as hundreds marched through Times Square. The demonstration marked one of the most prominent displays of pro-Palestinian sentiment in the city since late last year.

Organizers and Participants

The protest was organized by the Palestinian Youth Movement, the Party for Socialism and Liberation, and the People’s Forum. Among the crowd were members of Jewish anti-Israel groups, including the Jewish Voice for Peace and the Neturei Karta sect, showcasing a diverse coalition united in their stance against Israeli policies.

Chants and Messages

Demonstrators chanted slogans such as “There is only one solution: Intifada revolution,” echoing calls for a mass uprising. Waves of PLO flags colored the procession, and participants held signs proclaiming messages like “Victory to the Palestinian resistance,” “Stop the genocide in Gaza,” and “End all US aid to Israel.”

Confrontations Emerge

Tensions flared when some protesters encountered a small group of pro-Israel counter-demonstrators. In a moment captured on video and shared online, a woman wearing a keffiyeh directed racial and antisemitic slurs toward the counter-protesters. “Palestine will be free and [expletive] you all… Go back to Europe! Back to where you came from. Germany is your homeland,” she shouted, her words igniting further discord.

Speeches and Declarations

Speakers at the rally delivered impassioned addresses. One proclaimed that “2024 was a year of struggle against the crime of Zionism,” vowing that protests would continue “for generation after generation until total liberation and return.” Another speaker expressed solidarity with the “martyrs” of the Palestinian “resistance,” reinforcing the group’s commitment to their cause.

Footage from the event showed attendees chanting, “We will honour all our martyrs,” with moments of collective prayer punctuating the demonstration. Cries of “Allahu Akbar” resonated among the crowd, underscoring the deep-rooted sentiments driving the protest.

A Surge in Protests Since October

Since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, New York City has seen a noticeable increase in anti-Israel protests. Many of these demonstrations have featured flags of Hamas and Hezbollah, organizations designated as terrorist groups by the United States. The frequency and intensity of these events reflect escalating tensions both locally and internationally.

Looking Ahead

The New Year’s Day protest in Times Square signals a continued commitment among pro-Palestinian groups to voice their opposition and advocate for their cause. As these demonstrations persist, questions arise about their impact on community relations and the broader discourse surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.