Despite light rain, about 50 protesters rallied, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and accusing Netanyahu of misleading both the international community and Israeli citizens. Signs demanding the return of hostages and an end to the war were prominently displayed, and chants of “shame, shame, shame” erupted whenever Netanyahu’s name was mentioned.
Phylisa Wisdom, executive director of the New York Jewish Agenda, emphasized the coalition’s goal of urging Netanyahu to negotiate a resolution that prioritizes diplomatic solutions and addresses the plight of hostages taken during last year’s Hamas-led attack.
Among the demonstrators was Zahiro Shahar Mor, who expressed his frustration with Netanyahu’s absence from Israel during such a critical time. He criticized the prolonged conflict as a power play by Netanyahu’s government, advocating for increased pressure from the U.S. and the international community on the Israeli leadership.
Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum also spoke out against Netanyahu’s role, labeling him an obstacle to peace and a resolution to the conflict. She underscored the importance of recognizing the shared humanity of both Israelis and Palestinians, criticizing the notion that the conflict is a zero-sum game.
Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian demonstrators also gathered nearby, with over 300 participants carrying Palestinian flags and raising their voices in solidarity against Netanyahu’s policies. The juxtaposition of these protests highlights the heightened tensions surrounding the situation in the region and the complexity of international responses to the conflict.