Over 1,000 anti-Israel demonstrators marched through Manhattan towards the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where the Met Gala was taking place. The crowd, consisting of individuals with flags and keffiyeh face coverings, began at Hunter College with a protest organized by Within Our Lifetime, calling for a “Day of Rage” protest and to march towards the Met. As they marched north on Fifth Avenue, they were eventually barricaded by police at 79th Street after they began blocking traffic.
Despite their initial goal of reaching the Met Gala, the protesters were diverted into Central Park by police before being blocked from exiting. This left them at a standstill and confused about how to proceed. In the midst of the march, there were also pro-Israel protestors who came out to confront the anti-Israel demonstrators, accusing them of supporting terrorism. The presence of both groups led to a tense atmosphere during the march.
A police officer at the scene was overheard describing the situation as “an exercise in futility” since the protesters had nowhere else to go. The clash between the two opposing groups reflected the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. One 17-year-old Jewish Upper East Sider, Elena Bakhchi, expressed her frustration with the situation, describing the protesters as ignorant, uneducated, and blindly following each other. Bakhchi likened the atmosphere to the lead-up to World War II.
This unfolding incident in Manhattan highlights the intense emotions and divisions that exist surrounding the issue of Israel and Palestine. As the anti-Israel demonstrators and pro-Israel protestors faced off in the streets of Manhattan, the police worked to keep the situation under control. The march towards the Met Gala, a high-profile event, attracted attention and raised concerns about potential disruptions.
With the situation still developing, updates are pending as to how the protests will continue to unfold. The clash between the two groups reflects the ongoing debates and tensions that persist around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the protesters remain in Central Park under police surveillance, the situation remains tense and uncertain. The conflicting viewpoints and strong emotions on display during the march highlight the complexity and sensitivity of the issue at hand.
