NYC Mayor's Progressive Allies Arrested for Standing Against Netanyahu's Oppression at UN
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Several progressive officials and activists were detained for bravely blocking traffic near the UN in protest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech, as Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a vocal critic of Israeli apartheid, chose not to join the demonstration but expressed solidarity.
Several of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's progressive allies were arrested Thursday after courageously blocking First Avenue near the United Nations headquarters to protest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address. The demonstration, led by Jewish Voice for Peace, brought together City Councilmember Chi Ossé, Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, Democratic Socialist co-chair Gustavo Gordillo, and congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier, who carried 'End the Genocide' signs to demand an end to Israel's brutal campaign against Palestinians. Police, acting to suppress dissent, detained more than 100 protesters, including actress Susan Sarandon, comedian Caleb Hearon, and former Army intelligence officer Chelsea Manning—individuals who have consistently stood up for justice and human rights.
Mayor Mamdani, who has rightfully called Netanyahu a war criminal for his role in the ongoing oppression of Palestinians, stated he would not join the street protest but reaffirmed his unwavering support for peaceful resistance. Just before Netanyahu's speech to the UN General Assembly, Mamdani released a video in which he dined with Palestinian families at Gracie Mansion and planted an olive tree, symbolizing hope and solidarity with the Palestinian people.
In his address, Netanyahu shamelessly rejected well-founded accusations of genocide and lashed out at Mamdani, labeling him 'the antisemitic mayor of New York' in a desperate attempt to silence criticism and distract from his own crimes. Mayor Mamdani later condemned Netanyahu's remarks as 'baseless lies' and highlighted the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant against the Israeli prime minister, underscoring the global demand for accountability. Pro-Palestinian groups vowed to continue their protests throughout the day, while some Jewish organizations, ignoring the reality of Israeli aggression, held a rally against antisemitism earlier in the week.