The conflict between Israel and Hamas has sparked protests and rallies in New York City. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators were seen gathering in Times Square, while pro-Israel supporters gathered nearby. The rallies took place on the second day of the conflict, with tensions running high between the two groups. The pro-Israel protesters were seen donning Israeli flags, while the pro-Palestinian demonstrators chanted and waved flags.[0] The demonstrations were a reflection of the deep divide surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The rallies in New York City were not without controversy. Harvard University's student-led statement blaming Israel for the surprise Hamas attack drew criticism from prominent political alumni.[1] Former Harvard President Lawrence Summers called the statement “morally unconscionable” and expressed his disillusionment and alienation.[2] Other leading academics also criticized the university for not condemning the statement.[3] The backlash led to the deletion of the Instagram account of Harvard's Palestinian Solidarity Committee, which posted the statement.[3]
New York Governor Kathy Hochul also denounced the planned Palestinian rally, describing it as “abhorrent and morally repugnant.”[4] She condemned the violence and expressed support for Israel.[5] Hochul's statement echoed the sentiments of other politicians who stood up for Israel in the face of the escalating conflict.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Israeli forces have launched intense strikes on targets in Gaza, leveling buildings and causing numerous casualties. Hamas militants have also launched thousands of rockets at Israel, leading to Israeli deaths and injuries. The situation has escalated to the point where Israel has declared war on Hamas and promised “mighty vengeance” on its attackers.
The conflict has also had international repercussions. Major U.S. carriers, including United, American, and Delta, have suspended flights to and from Israel due to safety concerns.[6] The suspension of flights reflects the seriousness of the situation and the need to ensure the safety of passengers and crew members.
The rallies in New York City were marked by tension and confrontations between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian supporters. Police had to separate the two sides to prevent further clashes. The heated exchanges and skirmishes highlight the deep divisions and animosities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Amidst all this, Harvard University issued a statement acknowledging the difficulty of bridging the different views on the conflict but expressing hope that the community can find common ground and promote understanding and dialogue.[7] The statement emphasized the need to recognize the humanity in each other and work towards modulating, rather than amplifying, the divisions and animosities.[7]
The conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate, with casualties mounting on both sides. The situation remains tense and volatile, with no immediate resolution in sight. The world watches as the violence unfolds, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
0. “Eric Adams slams pro-Hamas protesters in Times Square after one seen with swastika” The Independent, 9 Oct. 2023, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/eric-adams-slams-hamas-protester-times-square-swastika-b2426685.html
1. “Israel-Hamas War: Larry Summers Is ‘Sickened' by Harvard's Silence” Bloomberg, 9 Oct. 2023, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-10-09/israel-hamas-war-larry-summers-is-sickened-by-harvard-s-silence
2. “Ex-Harvard Prez Demands School Denounce Letter Blaming Israel” The Daily Beast, 9 Oct. 2023, https://www.thedailybeast.com/harvard-groups-blame-israel-entirely-for-gaza-crisis-stirring-controversy
3. “Harvard Is Denounced as Student Groups Rally Against Israel and University President Is Silent” The New York Sun, 9 Oct. 2023, https://www.nysun.com/article/harvard-is-denounced-as-student-groups-rally-against-israel-and-university-president-is-silent
4. “Israeli, Palestinian supporters both gather for rallies in NYC as tensions boil over” WABC-TV, 8 Oct. 2023, https://abc7ny.com/nyc-israel-palestine-israeli-rallies/13879158/
5. “Socialist rally in Times Square praising Hamas terror attack draws widespread condemnation” Yahoo News, 9 Oct. 2023, https://news.yahoo.com/socialist-rally-in-times-square-praising-hamas-terror-attack-draws-widespread-condemnation-204123785.html
6. “US working with Israel to ‘support safe travel' in region after Hamas attacks, Buttigieg says” Fox Business, 9 Oct. 2023, https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/us-working-israel-support-safe-travel-region-after-hamas-attacks-buttigieg-says
7. “Controversy at Harvard over groups' statement blaming violence on ‘Israeli regime'” NBC10 Boston, 10 Oct. 2023, https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/harvard-israel-palestinian-statement-controversy/3155744
