At Netanyahu's UN podium, Protestocular in New York streets

In New York, the capital of the United States, a large, widely attended protest in support of Palestine was organized on Thursday, September 24, by a pro‑Palestinian crowd following Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s address to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The demonstration began in front of the New York Public Library at Bryant Park in Manhattan. The New York protest was reported by Özlem Özgüt Yörekli, New York correspondent for ABDPost.com. The march, which started at Bryant Park and proceeded along 3rd Avenue, 47th Street and 2nd Avenue toward 1st Avenue, was shown to be blocked by police barricades before it could reach the entrance of the UN building, images showed.

They moved forward in Manhattan with slogans and banners.

Participants in the rally, which was backed by numerous groups including the Palestinian Youth Movement and CODEPINK, marched with slogans, banners, drums and assorted musical instruments. The crowd aimed to reach 1st Avenue, where the United Nations General Assembly is located.

NYPD Traffic Route Closed with Barriers

The New York Police Department (NYPD) imposed extensive security measures around the United Nations. Because of police barricades, protesters moved forward along 42nd Street toward 3rd Avenue, but the march was halted there.

Exhibitors Change Course

The crowd that could not advance on 3rd Avenue changed its route and moved toward 47th Street. From there, protesters who turned onto 2nd Avenue later headed toward 1st Avenue.

They could not reach the UN Building.

When the demonstrators reached 1st Avenue, they encountered a new police barricade near the UN building. Due to the barrier, the group was not permitted to pass in front of the UN Headquarters.

The crowd's protest continued in front of the barrier.

Protesters who could not reach the UN building continued their demonstration in the area where the barriers were located. With high participation in the event, the crowd continued the protest accompanied by slogans.

Support from Hasidic Jews as well.

During the demonstration, a large number of Hasidic Jews were seen supporting the protesters. Thus, participants from different groups converged in the same area during the march.

What Were the Protesters' Demands?

The protesters demanded an end to the war in Gaza, a halt to the United States' arms support for Israel, and sanctions against Israel. The demonstration also called for the implementation of the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant against Netanyahu.

Netanyahu Took the Stage at the UN, Addressed an Empty Hall.

During the hours the protest took place, Netanyahu spoke at the UN General Assembly 81st session. When he stepped onto the podium, delegations from many countries left the hall. Netanyahu described the diplomats who left the hall as "moral cowards."

Denied the Accusations About Gaza

In his speech, Netanyahu denied accusations that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza. Calling those claims the "greatest lie of the century," Netanyahu asserted that Israel had taken measures to protect civilians.

He set a target on Mamdani.

Netanyahu also addressed New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani directly. Speaking of Mamdani's attempt to prevent him from coming to New York, Netanyahu used the phrase, "You cannot silence me and the truth." Mamdani had previously called for Netanyahu's arrest, but as New York mayor he acknowledged that he had no authority to enforce the International Criminal Court's ruling.

Criticism of Erdoğan and Turkey

In his speech, Netanyahu also criticized Turkey and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Opposing Erdoğan's statements about Israel and Jerusalem, Netanyahu used the phrase "Our city" for Jerusalem. He also alleged that Turkey hosts Hamas and spreads false statements about Israel.At the end of his speech, the Israeli Prime Minister asserted that Israel would succeed in the war, delivering the message, "We will win because we have no other option."

Tense Day in New York

While Netanyahu's UN speech and the protest in Manhattan took place on the same day, the march could not advance beyond the immediate front of the United Nations Headquarters due to the NYPD's heavy security measures. No serious incident occurred during the protest, but the crowd density drew attention.

The protest's message was clear

The banners carried by the crowd and the slogans they shouted highlighted calls for an end to the war in Gaza, a halt to U.S. arms support for Israel, and action against Netanyahu within the framework of international law. Though the demonstrators could not reach the UN Headquarters, they continued their protest near 1st Avenue.

News: Özlem Özgüt Yörekli