Against the backdrop of the fighting against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, a number of pro-Palestinian organizations such as New York for Palestine and the pro-Palestine youth movement will hold a solidarity event with the Palestinians on Sunday, which is expected to take place at Times Review in downtown New York.
Represents solidarity in Berlin, Germany, photo: AP
Democratic Congressman Ritchie Torres attacked the planned pro-Palestinian event. "The Socialist Democrats (one of the organizers of the event) intends to glorify Hamas terrorism, without reference to hundreds of civilians and children who were murdered, wounded, kidnapped. This is an organization that is an anti-Semitic stain on the soul of America's largest city. There is a special place in hell for those who glorify the cold-blooded murder of civilians and children," Rep. Torres tweeted.
New York Governor Hochul also joined in condemning the incident in Times Square: "I condemn the intention to convene tomorrow in Times Square in support of the perpetrators of these terrible acts. The planned event is morally repugnant," Hochul wrote on Twitter.
The people of Israel are facing violent terrorist attacks and civilian kidnappings. I condemn plans to rally in Times Square tomorrow in support of the perpetrators of these horrific actions. The planned rally is abhorrent and morally repugnant.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) October 8, 2023
Earlier, many buildings in New York City and the state were lit up in blue and white as part of an initiative by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, including the famous Empire State Building and the World Trade Center. "New York stands with Israel - today and every day," Hochul wrote on Twitter.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams posted a photo on Twitter of City Hall illuminated in blue and white. "New York City has the largest Jewish population in the world outside of Israel, and we stand with the people of Israel every day — but we do so with greater determination tonight," Adams wrote.
New York City has the largest Jewish population in the world outside of Israel, and we stand side by side with Israel every day — but we do so with extra resolve tonight. pic.twitter.com/CmWuKGEEfg
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) October 7, 2023
Public support for Israel was also recorded in Germany – the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin was illuminated in blue and white and the Israeli flag was projected on it. The Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem thanked the show of support: "We are experiencing a dark day here in Israel and appreciate all your support and solidarity."
The United States has stepped up its alert due to the events in Israel. In New York, it was decided to increase security around Israeli institutions and those with Israeli or Palestinian identification in response to the war raging in Israel. In a statement, the police said, "The NYPD's Counterterrorism and Intelligence Division operates in a high-alert format. As global events may affect New York City, we increase our presence around houses of worship and other areas."
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