More than two dozen individuals were arrested by NYPD as protesters from the anti-Israel group Within Our Lifetime gathered in Manhattan to protest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the United Nations. The protesters displayed a large red banner with the message “No war criminals in NYC!” and chanted slogans accusing Netanyahu of genocide as they called for an end to Israeli bombings in Gaza and the funding and arming of Israel.
Video footage of the protest showed the group of demonstrators linking hands as NYPD officers approached to arrest them using zip-tie handcuffs. Despite being led away by officers, the protesters continued to chant in support of Gaza. The protest was organized as part of the “Flood the United Nations for Gaza and Lebanon” demonstration, with plans to disrupt the city and demand justice for Palestinians in the region.
The protest was held near First Avenue and East 49th Street in Midtown East, with a planned “Central Rally” scheduled for 6 p.m. at Pershing Square on East 42nd Street and Park Avenue. Within Our Lifetime also called for the resignation of Mayor Eric Adams, accusing him of being a “zionist cop” and claiming that his alleged corruption was not his only crime. The group’s actions were meant to draw attention to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Lebanon and to demand an end to Israeli aggression in the region.
The exact charges faced by the 25 arrested individuals were not immediately known, but they were likely related to their participation in the protest and refusal to disperse when instructed by police. The demonstration aimed to raise awareness about the situation in Gaza and Lebanon and to hold Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu accountable for his actions. The protesters’ actions included chanting slogans, displaying banners, and linking hands to prevent their arrest, highlighting their commitment to the cause.
The protest organized by Within Our Lifetime aimed to draw attention to the plight of Palestinians in Gaza and Lebanon and to pressure world leaders, including Netanyahu, for their actions in perpetuating the conflict. The group called for an end to the funding and arming of Israel, as well as for Mayor Eric Adams’ resignation. The demonstration was part of a larger effort to flood the United Nations with demands for justice and accountability for those involved in the ongoing violence in the region.
The actions of Within Our Lifetime and the arrests of protesters underscore the ongoing tensions and conflicts surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The group’s efforts to disrupt Netanyahu’s visit to the United Nations and to protest the presence of “war criminals” in New York City reflect a broader movement for justice and solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and Lebanon. The protest drew attention to the role of world leaders and the international community in addressing the crisis and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
