Global “Day of Jihad” Sparks Palestinian-Israeli Protests in Times Square
Palestinian and Israeli protesters gathered in Times Square, New York City, on Friday. The demonstrations followed a call for a “Global day of jihad” by former Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal, in response to a recent terror attack by Hamas in Israel.
Pro-Palestine demonstrators, numbering in the thousands, filled Manhattan streets during the Friday afternoon. In contrast, a significantly smaller group of pro-Israeli demonstrators was present.
At the Baruch College campus, where the protest began with around 100 participants, two people from the pro-Palestine side and one from the pro-Israeli group were arrested by the NYPD.
The protest started with participants observing the Friday afternoon call to prayer, commonly practiced by Muslims, followed by chants of “Free, Free Palestine!” among the crowd.
Meanwhile, near Harvard University, an angry group confronted a digital billboard-bearing box truck deployed by the nonprofit news watchdog Accuracy in Media, which aimed to expose students who allegedly signed a letter attributing blame to Israel for a recent Hamas attack. The crowd blocked the female driver, banged on the truck’s windows, and shouted at the driver.
The NYPD increased its presence at the rally in Times Square, and security at Jewish sites across the five boroughs was heightened.
Israeli leaders advised Jews worldwide to avoid the protests, citing concerns about potential violence.
Political commentator Justine Murray publicly criticized the “day of jihad” call, emphasizing her determination to stand firm against fear and intimidation. She urged others to do the same.
Former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani, who was indicted in August for his involvement in efforts to overturn the 2020 election, responded to the ongoing events with a cautionary message.
In more than a dozen countries, tens of thousands of anti-Israel demonstrators gathered, clashing with law enforcement and burning US and Israeli flags to condemn the military counteroffensive in Gaza. These protests were part of the “day of jihad” demanded by former Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal, who called upon Arabs and Muslims worldwide to express their support for Palestine after weekly prayers.
The street protests extended beyond the Middle East, with violent demonstrations occurring as far away as Japan, Germany, and Australia.
