(New York Post) Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters swarmed the streets surrounding Rockefeller Center on Wednesday, clashing with NYPD cops and chanting “River to the sea,” long seen as an antisemitic slogan, in an effort to support Gaza by derailing the annual tree lighting.
Waving Palestinian flags and signs calling for the “end to genocide,” the ralliers gathered along Sixth Avenue alongside hordes of tourists waiting in line to see the iconic ceremony.
Unable to get to the NYC Christmas tree, the enormous crowd instead swarmed around the tree outside the News Corp building, which houses The Post and Fox News, and which has already been targeted by pro-Palestinian protesters on at least two occasions.
“Free, free Palestine!” the protesters chanted.
One rallier was seen climbing on top of the pillar bearing the building’s address, and another was seen carrying a massive sign bearing a swastika, comparing the Israel Defense Forces to Nazis.
NYPD officers continuously pushed back the crowds, who shoved back, calling the cops “f–king Nazis.”
The NYPD ordered a high security presence before the planned protest, warning that “elevated vigilance” is necessary during this year’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center.
Pro-Palestinian organizers announced their plans to disrupt the festivities earlier this week, noting that the world-renowned celebration also falls on the UN-recognized International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters swarmed the streets surrounding Rockefeller Center on Wednesday in an effort to derail its annual Christmas tree lighting and support Gaza. Annie Wermiel/NY Post
Waving Palestinian flags and signs calling for an “end to genocide,” the ralliers gathered along Sixth Avenue alongside hordes of tourists waiting in line to see the iconic ceremony. James Keivom
Additional NYPD units were called in, law enforcement sources told The Post, adding that officers were being attacked.
“They should have shut it down. They lost control of the street. I was shoved, punched, kicked. It’s bulls–t,” one cop caught in the fray said.
Another called it “complete chaos.”
Several protesters were seen being taken into custody, though it’s not clear whether they were charged.
The protesters gathered outside the News Corp building, which houses The Post and Fox News, and has already been targeted by pro-Palestinian protesters on at least two occasions. James Keivom
One person was seen climbing on top of the pillar bearing the building’s address, and another was seen carrying a massive sign bearing a swastika, comparing the Israel Defense Forces to Nazis. FNTV
“They should have shut it down. They lost control of the street. I was shoved, punched, kicked. It’s bulls–t,” one cop caught in the fray said. John Roca
Thousands of tourists forced to share the space with the rambunctious demonstration jeered at the protesters for standing in the way of the wholesome tradition.
Jamie Fry, 42, who flew in from the United Kingdom to watch the tree-lighting spectacle, said the protest was “very annoying.”
“I had planned my holiday around this event, being a big fan of Christmas. Now I’m walled in by a bunch of terrorist-loving a–holes calling for intifada,” Fry told The Post.
“Their strategy for sympathy is disruption, but all they’ll get out of me is a big ‘F–k you.’”
Thousands of tourists forced to share the space with the rambunctious demonstration jeered at the protesters for standing in the way of the wholesome tradition. John Roca
The NYPD ordered a high security presence before the planned protest, warning that “elevated vigilance” is necessary during this year’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center. Alex Mead/NY Post
Pro-Palestinian organizers announced their plans to disrupt the festivities earlier this week, noting that the world-renowned celebration also falls on the UN-recognized International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Alex Mead/NY Post
