The war in Gaza has triggered large demonstrations across the world, including in the United States.
Pro-Palestinian protesters, usually calling for a ceasefire, have turned to disrupting unrelated events to bring attention to their cause at the possible cost of public sympathy. The controversial practice has long been a strategy of advocacy groups as a way to keep their cause in the public spotlight.
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The Washington Examiner reached out to Jewish Voice for Peace and If Not Now, two pro-Palestinian advocacy groups, to inquire about whether they believe the tactic is effective.
Here are three times when pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted unrelated events to bring attention to their cause.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The famous annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has become a staple for many American families on Thanksgiving. It features creative floats and leading artists. The parade is a tempting target for any advocacy group.
A group of protesters carrying Palestinian flags and a large banner reading “Genocide then. Genocide now. Free Palestine. Land Back” jumped the barricades and ran in front of part of the parade at Sixth Avenue in New York City. The group of roughly 30 demonstrators glued themselves to the pavement, forcing the parade to be diverted.
The group positioned themselves in front of Grimace from McDonald’s, who was in a red McDonald’s car.
The demonstrators were later arrested.
Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony
This year’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center presented another tempting opportunity, as thousands gathered to watch artists perform. The date coincided with a declared day of solidarity with the Palestinian people, ensuring a sizable demonstration. The New York City Police Department said they were aware of and prepared for such demonstrations beforehand.
Despite these assurances, police apparently weren’t anticipating a protest of such size or character, as many of the NYPD officers deployed were wearing standard police gear rather than riot gear.
The protest ballooned to well over 1,000 people, according to several reporters at the scene, drawing in more police. Videos posted on social media showed police using pepper spray and arresting protesters.
The demonstration was the most violent on the list, and it is the only one where protesters openly clashed with police.
Rosalynn Carter memorial service
The most controversial demonstration on the list is when pro-Palestinian protesters used a memorial service for recently deceased former first lady Rosalynn Carter. The chanting, sign-wielding group demonstrated outside Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church in Atlanta in view of President Joe Biden’s motorcade.
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“Biden, Biden, you can’t hide. We charge you with genocide!” the protesters chanted while holding signs reading “End all U.S. aid to Israel” and “Ceasefire now! Stop Israel and Biden’s genocide.”
The rally was met with widespread condemnation, with some on social media comparing it to the Westboro Baptist Church, which would infamously protest soldiers’ funerals. Others expressed confusion, as the Carters are typically seen as supportive of the Palestinian cause.
