Anti-Israel Protesters Rally in Times Square Amidst Tragic New Orleans Attack
On New Year’s Day, hundreds of anti-Israel demonstrators convened in New York City’s Times Square, calling for an “intifada revolution.” The protest, which drew widespread attention, was marked by chants and slogans criticizing Israel, US foreign policy, and Zionism. Demonstrators carried Palestinian flags and placards with messages such as “Zionism is cancer,” “No war on Iran,” and “End all US aid to Israel.” Organized by groups including the Palestinian Youth Movement, the Party for Socialism and Liberation, and the People’s Forum, the rally sparked strong reactions from onlookers and counter-protesters.
The timing of the protest coincided with a tragic event in New Orleans earlier that day. A US Army veteran, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, launched a deadly car attack in the French Quarter, killing at least 15 people and injuring 30 others. Jabbar, reportedly inspired by ISIS, drove his truck adorned with an ISIS flag into the crowded area, targeting New Year’s celebrations. Police later confirmed the discovery of three improvised pipe bombs near the scene, one of which was in Jabbar’s truck. The attack also left two police officers injured by gunfire before Jabbar was shot dead by authorities.
In Times Square, the protestors’ chants included, “There is only one solution: Intifada revolution,” and “Resistance is glorious – we will be victorious.” One video circulating online featured a demonstrator wearing a keffiyeh shouting inflammatory remarks at counter-protesters, saying, “We’re sending you back to Europe, you white b****es.” Such statements, along with the rally’s overall message, sparked outrage among many observers.
Another speaker at the protest decried the year 2024 as one of “struggle against the crime of Zionism.” The event unfolded against the backdrop of growing tensions over Middle East conflicts and US foreign policy in the region. Critics of the protest highlighted the incendiary rhetoric and its potential to exacerbate divisions within American society.
The connection between the protest and the New Orleans attack remains unclear. President Joe Biden strongly condemned the car attack, describing it as a “despicable” act of terrorism. The FBI reported that Jabbar had posted videos on social media expressing admiration for ISIS and an intent to kill mere hours before the attack. Biden also noted that investigators were examining a possible link between the attack and an unrelated Tesla truck fire outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas. However, no direct connection has been found so far.
The events of January 1st underscore the increasingly polarized political climate in the United States and the influence of extremist ideologies. The Times Square protest highlighted deep divisions over US support for Israel and its broader foreign policy. At the same time, the New Orleans attack served as a stark reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism. As authorities continue their investigations, these incidents have reignited debates about public safety, free speech, and the balance between activism and incitement.
Refrence From: www.ndtv.com