In New York, over 200 individuals, primarily of Jewish descent, were taken into custody by the New York Police Department following a substantial protest that occurred in the main hall of Grand Central station.
The protest was organized to express opposition to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. It’s worth noting that the organizers of the protest claim that the number of arrests exceeded 300.
Photographs from the event display numerous young people in handcuffs, wearing black sweatshirts with the slogans ‘Not In Our Name’ and ‘Cease Fire Now’ printed in white.
The demonstration was organized by the group Jewish Voice for Peace-New York City, which stated that thousands of its members participated in the protest, effectively obstructing the primary concourse of the city’s central rail station.
Images show the terminal crowded with protesters who displayed banners with messages such as “Palestinians should be free” and “Mourn the dead, fight like hell for the living.” The organizers referred to the peaceful sit-in as “the largest civil disobedience New York City has seen in 20 years.”
The event commenced with Rabbis lighting Shabbat candles and reciting the Jewish prayer for the deceased, known as the kaddish. Rabbi May Ye, in a statement released by the organizers, emphasized the importance of not resting while conflict continues, asserting that the lives of Palestinians and Israelis are interconnected, and true safety can only be achieved through justice, equality, and freedom for all.
The Israeli bombardment of Gaza was initiated after a border incursion by Hamas gunmen on October 7, resulting in the death of 1,400 people, primarily civilians, and the kidnapping of over 220 others, according to Israeli officials. The Hamas-run health ministry reported on Friday that Israeli strikes on Gaza had led to the deaths of 7,326 individuals, with more than 3,000 of them being children.
