Queer activists halt traffic on Manhattan Bridge in support of Palestine
Hundreds of Activists Block Manhattan Bridge in Pro-Palestinian Protest
On Monday evening, a massive protest organized by ”Queers for Palestine” brought the Manhattan Bridge in New York City to a standstill. The demonstrators, carrying LGBTQ+ and trans pride flags, marched from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn to Manhattan, demanding a “Free Palestine.”
The protest gained momentum following a horrific terror attack by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israeli civilians and the capture of hundreds more. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have since spread across the globe.
Chanting powerful slogans like “queer, trans, no peace on stolen land” and “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” the activists made their message clear. However, some of their statements, such as calling for the genocide of Israelis, have drawn criticism.
The protesters also drew parallels between Israel’s military and the New York Police Department, likening them to the white supremacist Ku Klux Klan. Their chants of “NYPD, KKK, IDF, they’re all the same” echoed through the streets.
Leading the crowd were individuals carrying banners with bold messages like “Queers for Liberated Palestine,” “No Pride in Genocide,” and “Queer Jews say: F*** the West. Let Gaza Live.”
Manhattan Bridge has been shut down by thousands of Queers for Palestine marching from Barclays Center to Manhattan. #nyc #QueersForPalestine #GazaGenocide pic.twitter.com/Va2ZwnMNV6
— thizzL (@thizzl_) December 12, 2023
Thousands of queer Palestinian supporters shutting down the streets in Manhattan #FreePalestine #QueersForPalestine pic.twitter.com/Ib1Pzx8iSo
— thizzL (@thizzl_) December 12, 2023
While the protest made headlines, many have pointed out the irony of groups like “Queers for Palestine.” Homosexuality is severely punished in the Gaza Strip, controlled by Hamas, and in significant parts of Judea and Samaria, also known as the West Bank, governed by the Palestinian Authority.
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In 2019, the Palestinian Authority banned LGBT activities, and last year, a gay man who escaped from the Gaza Strip shared his constant fear of being caught by Hamas.
“It’s hard to be gay because I don’t feel free in Gaza,” he said. “There are many gay people in the Gaza Strip, including within Hamas. If you’re gay, you have to hide. It’s incredibly difficult. I lived in constant fear of being hit, kidnapped, or discovered by Hamas.”
In 2016, Hamas executed a high-ranking member of its military wing, Mahmoud Ishtiwi, over allegations of stealing and engaging in homosexual acts. Ishtiwi, described as “Hamas royalty,” was shot three times and executed by the terror group.
How did the “Queers for Palestine” protestors express their support for the movement and what impact did they have on the Manhattan Bridge in New York City?
The Manhattan Bridge in New York City was brought to a standstill on Monday evening as hundreds of activists organized by “Queers for Palestine” staged a massive protest. Carrying LGBTQ+ and trans pride flags, the protesters marched from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn to Manhattan, demanding a ”Free Palestine” movement.
The protest gained momentum in the aftermath of a horrific terror attack by Hamas on October 7, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israeli civilians and the capture of hundreds more. The pro-Palestinian demonstrations have since spread across the globe, with activists voicing their support for Palestine and condemning the Israeli government’s actions.
Chanting powerful slogans like “queer, trans, no peace on stolen land” and ”from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” the activists made their message crystal clear. However, some of their statements have drawn criticism, particularly those calling for the genocide of Israelis. While it is essential to express solidarity with Palestine, advocating violence and harm towards any group undermines the credibility of the movement.
The protesters also drew a disturbing parallel between Israel’s military and the New York Police Department, likening them to the white supremacist Ku Klux Klan. Their chants of “NYPD, KKK, IDF, they’re all the same” reverberated through the streets. Linking the actions of law enforcement agencies to hate groups is an inflammatory tactic that can hinder constructive dialogue and understanding.
Leading the crowd were individuals carrying banners with bold messages such as “Queers for Liberated Palestine,” “No Pride in Genocide,” and ”Queer Jews say: F*** the West. Let Gaza Live.” These messages reflect the activists’ desire for justice and equality for Palestinians, expressing their commitment to advocating for the rights of marginalized communities.
The event captured significant attention and was widely shared on social media, with a tweet documenting the protest stating that “the Manhattan Bridge has been shut down by thousands of Queers for Palestine marching from Barclays Center to Manhattan.” The use of social media to spread awareness and mobilize support has become a vital tool for activists worldwide.
While it is crucial to promote causes and express solidarity, it is equally essential to do so in a manner that fosters understanding and promotes peaceful dialogue. A balanced and informed approach will help to engage a wider audience and further the cause by building bridges of communication rather than shutting them down.
In conclusion, the pro-Palestinian protest that blocked the Manhattan Bridge in New York City demonstrated the determination of activists to raise awareness about the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Their demands for a “Free Palestine” emphasized the need for justice and equality. However, it is essential to ensure that advocacy for any cause remains respectful, constructive, and promotes peaceful resolution.
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