News Summary
In a significant display of dissent, over 40 protesters were arrested outside the Trump International Hotel in New York City during a demonstration urging an end to the war in Gaza. Organized by IfNotNow, the protest drew hundreds advocating for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza amid alarming conditions. Key speakers highlighted the shift in public sentiment against Israel’s actions, emphasizing the urgency for U.S. intervention. The event showcased a growing coalition of Jewish voices opposing current governmental policies, reflecting changing dynamics in the discourse surrounding U.S.-Israel relations.
New York
Over 40 protesters were arrested outside the Trump International Hotel in New York City during a demonstration organized by IfNotNow on Monday evening. The protest began at Columbus Circle and attracted hundreds of participants who called for an end to the ongoing war in Gaza. Under the slogan “Trump: Jews Say No More,” the protesters urged the Trump administration to pressure Israel to allow increased humanitarian aid into Gaza, which faces dire conditions due to the conflict.
Health officials in Gaza have reported alarming mortality rates attributed to starvation and malnutrition amid the ongoing conflict. Protesters highlighted these issues by holding signs that read messages like “stop ethnic cleansing,” “never again is now,” and “stop starving Gaza.” Addressing the crowd, IfNotNow’s interim executive director expressed the view that the Israeli government’s blockade of Gaza constitutes a policy of ethnic cleansing through systematic starvation, stressing the urgent need for the U.S. government to use its influence to halt these actions against Palestinian people.
Many notable speakers
The protest featured remarks from various speakers, including Ruth Messinger, Rabbi Jill Jacobs, and New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. Landers pointed out the significance of the protest’s timing with the Jewish holiday of Tisha B’Av, suggesting that the current destruction and suffering in Gaza stem largely from Israel’s own policies. Additionally, Lily Greenberg Call, who previously served as a special assistant in the Biden administration, remarked on a palpable shift in public sentiment against Israel’s wartime actions.
Call, who resigned her position in May 2024 to protest the Biden administration’s unwavering support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict, was among those actively participating in the demonstration. The protest also included commentary from Palestinian photojournalist Motaz Azaiza, further adding to the event’s diverse perspectives.
Protest dynamics and implications
The demonstration commenced around 8 PM, characterized by protesters sitting in the street, singing, and chanting in unison. However, New York Police began making arrests roughly 15 minutes later for blocking traffic on the street. This action reflects a broader trend of mobilization among Jewish voices opposing Israeli government actions in Gaza, a sentiment echoed by IfNotNow. The group contends that this movement captures the outrage felt by a significant portion of U.S. Jews regarding the Israeli government’s policies.
This demonstration marks a notable convergence of various Jewish organizations and community members, traditionally aligned on other issues, showcasing a united front during a time of rising tension regarding U.S. support for Israel. Growing protests in support of Palestinian rights, particularly on college campuses, illustrate a shift in advocacy dynamics across the nation. This shift has also led to escalating debates surrounding the complexities of major Democratic donors’ philanthropic contributions to pro-Palestinian initiatives.
Concerns about protests and antisemitism
As activism surrounding this issue intensifies, some protest tactics have faced scrutiny, with accusations of antisemitism surfacing amid heightened emotions and activism. Such challenges underscore the increasingly complicated landscape of discourse surrounding U.S.-Israel relations and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In summary, Monday’s protest outside the Trump International Hotel highlights deep concerns about humanitarian aid in Gaza and showcases a growing segment of U.S. Jewish voices opposing governmental policies. As the situation continues to evolve, both the protests and the public sentiment towards the conflict remain significant and dynamic aspects of current affairs in the United States.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The Guardian: Gaza Protest at Trump Hotel
- Haaretz: Jews Say No More Protest
- Politico: Pro-Palestinian Protests
- Wikipedia: Gaza War
- New York Times: Black-Jewish Activists on Palestine
- Google Search: Gaza protests
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK CITY STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYorkCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York City, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York City, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
