From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Hundreds call for ‘intifada’ at New Year’s anti-Israel protest in Times Square
Luke Tress is The Times of Israel's New York correspondent.
Several hundred activists attend an anti-Israel protest in New York City’s Times Square to mark New Year’s Day.
The crowd carries signs saying “End Zionism,” “No war on Iran,” and “End all US aid to Israel.”
The protest was organized by socialist and anti-Israel groups including the Palestinian Youth Movement, the Party for Socialism and Liberation and the People’s Forum.
The crowd chants “There is only one solution: Intifada revolution,” “We will honor all our martyrs,” and “Gaza you make us proud.” Many wear keffiyehs and face masks.
Speakers urge the protesters to recommit to anti-Israel activism with the new year.
“2024 was a year of struggle against the crime of Zionism,” a speaker tells the crowd. “We will be here every single year for generation after generation until total liberation and return.”
— Luke Tress (@luketress) January 1, 2025
Colorful confetti left over from last night’s New Year’s Eve celebration litters the ground and swirls in the air above the protesters.
A handful of pro-Israel counter-protesters wave Israeli and American flags nearby, shouting “Get a job” at the anti-Israel activists.
NYPD counter-terrorism officers stand on the sidelines. New York Governor Kathy Hochul said earlier today that police were on high alert following the ramming attack in New Orleans early on New Year’s Day.
