

Hundreds of New Yorkers protested the Israeli assault on Gaza outside the Israeli Consulate (Photo: Alex Kane)

Close to 1,000 New Yorkers came out in the cold earlier tonight to denounce Israel’s escalation against the Gaza Strip. The emergency rally, organized in one day, was put together by a host of Palestine solidarity groups including Adalah-NY, Al-Awda NY, American Muslims for Palestine, Students for Justice in Palestine chapters and more.

The rally was held across the street from the Israeli Consulate in Midtown Manhattan.



The rally area kept filling with people as the night went on. (Photo: Alex Kane)

Protesters chanted slogans like, “Netanyahu you will learn, refugees will return,” and “Not another nickel, not another dime, no more money for Israel’s crimes.”

Meanwhile, across the street a much smaller demonstration in support of Israel’s assault was held. As I passed by, they sang songs in Hebrew, and chanted “Am Yisrael Chai” (the people of Israel live).



Counter-protesters set up shop across the street from the Palestine solidarity protest

(Photo: Alex Kane)

Dima Abi Saab, an organizer with Al Awda, denounced Israel’s actions against Gaza and pointed out that while the U.S. sent billions in military aid to Israel, people in New York continue to suffer the effects of Hurricane Sandy.



Some Israeli residents of New York City came out to show solidarity with Gaza. On the right is Maya Wind, an Israeli who refused to serve in the military. She spent a few weeks in detention and forty days in military prison for her refusal. (Photo: Alex Kane)

The New York rally was one of many held today around the world in opposition to the Israeli military’s bombardment of Gaza.



Sarah Wellington of the Artist Response Team walks near the rally with a strong message.

(Photo: Alex Kane)