Anti-Israel Protests Mark Anniversary of Hamas Attacks Across US
Demonstrations featuring chants like 'long live the intifada' occurred in major cities, drawing significant security and counter-protests.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators held large rallies in major American cities on the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks, with some chanting "long live the intifada." These demonstrations took place from New York to California, leading to clashes with law enforcement and counter-protesters, and prompting heightened security measures near college campuses and civic landmarks.
One such rally convened outside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's City Hall office. In a separate development, Mamdani's proposed $30 million plan to combat antisemitism has drawn criticism. Critics contend that the plan increases funding for Partners Against the Hate, directing funds towards the Arab American Association of New York, an organization described as a proponent of aggressive anti-Israel advocacy.
Meanwhile, former Hamas hostage Maya Regev confronted streamer Hasan Piker at UT Austin. Regev shared her firsthand account of captivity in Gaza, directly countering Piker's statements regarding the October 7 attacks.
In an op-ed, Bishop Robert Stearns, founder and executive director of Eagles’ Wings, urged Christians to maintain strong support for Israel following the October 7 attacks, framing it as a moral and biblical obligation and warning that apathy and rising antisemitism endanger Israel and Judeo-Christian values.
Danny Danon, Israel's Ambassador to the UN, commented on the protests, stating, "It is like turning September 11 into a day of mourning for al-Qaeda terrorists. We will not let this happen. We will remember those who were murdered, and we will never forget who was behind this massacre."