Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters thronged the streets around Rockefeller Center on Wednesday, clashing with NYPD police and chanting “river to sea,” long seen as an antisemitic slogan, in an attempt to disrupt the annual tree lighting in support of Gaza. .
Waving Palestinian flags and signs calling for “an end to the genocide,” the marchers gathered along Sixth Avenue alongside hordes of tourists waiting in line to see the iconic ceremony.
Unable to get to the NYC Christmas tree, people instead flocked to the tree outside the News Corp building, which houses The Post and Fox News, and has already been targeted by pro-Palestinian protesters at least twice.
“Free Palestine!” protesters chanted.
One rallier was seen climbing a pole bearing the building’s address, and another was seen carrying a large sign bearing a swastika, comparing the Israel Defense Forces to Nazi Germany.
NYPD officers continually pushed back the crowd, who refused, calling the police “f–king Nazis.”
Protesters tried to tear down barricades put up by police to separate them from crowds hoping to partake in the Big Apple’s holiday tradition.
The NYPD ordered a high security presence ahead of the planned protest, warning that “heightened vigilance” was needed during this year’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center.
Pro-Palestinian organizers announced their plans to disrupt the festival earlier this week, noting that the world-renowned festival also falls on the UN-recognised International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
Additional NYPD units were called in, a law enforcement source told The Post, adding that officers were under attack.
Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters thronged the streets around Rockefeller Center on Wednesday in an attempt to disrupt its annual Christmas tree lighting in support of Gaza. Annie Wermiel/NY Post Waving Palestinian flags and signs calling for “an end to the genocide,” the rally gathered along Sixth Avenue alongside hordes of tourists waiting in line to see the iconic ceremony. James Keivom
“They should have closed it. They lost control of the road. I was pushed, punched, kicked. It’s nonsense,” said a policeman who was caught up in the fight.
Another called it “a complete mess.”
Several protesters were seen being detained, although it was unclear if they had been charged.
Protesters gathered outside the News Corp building, which houses The Post and Fox News, and has already been targeted by pro-Palestinian protesters at least twice. James Keivom A rallier was seen climbing a pole bearing the building’s address, and another was seen carrying a large sign bearing a swastika, comparing the Israel Defense Forces to Nazi Germany. FNTV
Thousands of tourists were forced to share space with the raging demonstrations that routinely taunted protesters for standing in the way of healthy traditions.
Jamie Fry, 42, who flew from the United Kingdom to watch the tree-lighting spectacle, said the protests were “very upsetting.”
“I have planned my holidays around this event, being a big fan of Christmas. Now I’m surrounded by a bunch of terrorist-loving a-holes calling for an intifada,” Fry told The Post.
“They should have closed it. They lost control of the road. I was pushed, punched, kicked. It’s nonsense,” said a policeman who was caught up in the fight. John Roca Thousands of tourists were forced to share space with the raging demonstrations that routinely taunted protesters for obstructing a healthy tradition. John Roca
“Their strategy for sympathy is distraction, but what they will get from me is big trouble for you.”
Opal Burnett, 33, of St. Louis, Missouri, voiced Fry’s frustration, calling the harassment a disgrace.
“It’s very, very annoying. Just torturous. Seeing these people in such large numbers makes me ashamed to be an American because people are watching this happen from abroad. Kudos to the police for controlling these people and showing restraint, as they dealt with a lot of verbal abuse,” he said.
The NYPD ordered a high security presence ahead of the planned protest, warning that “heightened vigilance” was needed during this year’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center. Alex Mead/NY Post Pro-Palestinian organizers announced their plans to disrupt the festival earlier this week, noting that the world-famous festival also falls on the UN-recognized International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Alex Mead/NY Post
Other tree watchers, though disappointed, insisted that the raucous protest would not ruin the holiday tradition.
“Politics has no place at events like this, but that’s why they do it — to disrupt the status quo, to destroy what we value and are comfortable with,” said Lillian Gonzalez, 40, of the Bronx.
“The Christmas tree carries a message of peace, not conflict. That is why we are gathered here today, not to protest but to celebrate the holiday season. None of this mob activity is going to take it away from us.”
The unusually rowdy protest disappeared just an hour into the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony they were aiming to disrupt, instead turning to a march through Manhattan toward Times Square where they shouted, “Shut down.”
Despite the gathering, the 91st annual ceremony went off without a hitch.
Kelly Clarkson hosted and performed at the two-hour extravaganza, kicking off the show with a rendition of her 2013 hit “Underneath the Tree.”
KeKe Palmer, Barry Manilow and David Foster and wife Katharine McPhee were just some of the big names in attendance at the star-studded event — Cher also appeared to perform her new song, “DJ Play a Christmas Song” on her first Christmas album.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
