Pro-Palestinian Protests Attempt to Derail Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
On Wednesday, hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters swarmed the streets surrounding Rockefeller Center, clashing with NYPD officers and attempting to derail the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in support of Gaza. The incident unfolded along Sixth Avenue, where ralliers, waving Palestinian flags and carrying signs calling for the “end to genocide,” gathered alongside tourists waiting for the iconic ceremony.
The protesters, chanting “river to the sea,” a slogan often criticized as antisemitic, aimed to disrupt the festivities in line with their plans announced earlier in the week. The demonstration coincided with the UN-recognized International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, adding a political dimension to the holiday tradition.
Despite NYPD’s efforts to maintain control, the situation escalated as protesters confronted officers, referring to them as “f–king Nazis.” Attempts were made to knock down barricades, and additional police units were called in as law enforcement sources reported attacks on officers. Some protesters were taken into custody, though specific charges remain unclear.
The crowd, unable to reach the NYC Christmas tree, redirected their protest around the News Corp building, housing The Post and Fox News, which had been targeted by pro-Palestinian protesters on previous occasions. One protester climbed on a pillar, and another displayed a sign bearing a swastika, comparing the Israel Defense Forces to German Nazis.
Tourists, eager to witness the annual tradition, expressed frustration at the disruption. Some condemned the protest as embarrassing, while others commended the NYPD for maintaining control despite verbal abuse.
The NYPD had anticipated potential disruptions, implementing a high-security presence for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Despite the chaos, the 91st annual ceremony proceeded without significant issues. The unusually rowdy protest dissipated after an hour, transitioning into a march through Manhattan towards Times Square, where protesters shouted, “Shut it down.”
Photo credit: Flickr
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