Protests erupted outside of the Met Gala in 2024 as celebrities walked the red carpet, with demonstrators advocating for Palestinians amid Israel’s war in Gaza. Hunter College students marched with signs calling for their university to divest funding, chanting “We will not stop, we will not rest” and “There is only one solution.” The protests come after efforts by students at Columbia University, New York University, and the Fashion Institute of Technology to push for divestments from Israel and Israeli companies benefitting from the conflict. While no divestments have occurred yet, the protests have led to classes moving online, limited campus access, student arrests, and disruptions to graduation plans.
The demonstrations focused on the war in Gaza, which began with Hamas’ incursion into southern Israel and resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 civilians, as well as over 240 individuals being taken hostage. In response, Israel launched a military campaign against Hamas, leading to the deaths of more than 34,000 Palestinians, widespread destruction in Gaza, and a dire humanitarian crisis. The protests have brought attention to the ongoing conflict and the implications of financial ties to Israel, prompting discussions about divestments and causing disruptions on university campuses in New York City.
The protests outside of the Met Gala have symbolized a growing movement in support of Palestinians in the face of the conflict in Gaza. Students and activists have been vocal in calling for institutions to cut financial ties with Israel and companies profiting from the war, with a focus on raising awareness and advocating for change. While the demonstrations have not yet resulted in divestments, they have sparked dialogue and debate within universities and the broader community about the ethical and moral implications of financial investments in the conflict.
The impact of the protests on campuses in New York City has been significant, with disruptions to daily operations, online classes, restricted access to facilities, and student arrests. The protests have brought attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the disproportionate impact of the conflict on civilians, and the role of financial investments in perpetuating violence. While the protests have not led to immediate divestments, they have raised awareness and mobilized students and activists to continue advocating for change and accountability in their institutions’ financial practices.
The demonstrations outside of the Met Gala have highlighted the intersection of celebrity events and social activism, with protestors using high-profile gatherings to draw attention to global issues such as the conflict in Gaza. The presence of demonstrators outside the event has underscored the importance of using platforms and public spaces to advocate for meaningful change and solidarity with marginalized communities. As the protests continue and the conversation around divestments and investments in conflict zones evolves, the impact of these actions on policy and decision-making within institutions remains to be seen.
Overall, the protests outside of the Met Gala in 2024 have brought attention to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, sparked conversations about divestments and financial ties to Israel, and raised awareness about the humanitarian crisis in the region. Students and activists have mobilized to demand accountability from their universities and institutions, with a focus on ethical investments and supporting marginalized communities. While the protests have faced challenges and resistance, they have demonstrated the power of collective action and solidarity in advocating for change and justice in the face of global conflicts.
