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Edited by: TJVNews.com
During New York City’s 54th annual Pride parade on Sunday, anti-Israel demonstrators broke through barricades, throwing fake blood at a Human Rights Campaign float and temporarily halting the march. According to a report that appeared on Sunday in The New York Post, videos of the incident show that the disruption occurred near the parade’s end, close to the historic Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, the birthplace of the gay rights movement.
The demonstrators, some of whom were masked, included about a dozen individuals who were eventually detained by police. The group splattered red paint across Christopher Street at the intersection of Waverly Place, creating a dramatic visual statement. As per the information provided in The Post report, several protesters wore keffiyehs and carried a large banner that read, “No queer liberation without Palestinian liberation.” They also displayed a sizable Palestinian flag and chanted, “Shut it down!”
🚨 JUST IN: Palestine protestors are now. BLOCKING the Pride Parade in NYC, which includes “Queers for Palestine”
The left is having an existential crisis 🤣 pic.twitter.com/77UxsoA0RQ
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) June 30, 2024
In response to the disruption, approximately 20 NYPD officers, including members of the NYPD Special Operations unit, approached the protesters. The officers methodically placed the demonstrators in zip-tie cuffs one by one, The Post report said. Despite the arrest process, the demonstrators did not appear to resist. Meanwhile, some spectators in the crowd expressed their disapproval by shouting, “Shame!” and directing insults at the police.
It remains unclear what charges, if any, the detained protesters will face.
Before the disruption, the NYC Pride parade had been a vibrant and joyous celebration. Tens of thousands of participants and spectators braved the sweltering humidity and overcast skies to partake in the festivities. The parade route was lined with enthusiastic attendees, many of whom displayed big smiles and waved rainbow banners and flags, as was noted in The Post report. Marchers and onlookers danced in the streets, while bubbles and confetti floated above the jubilant crowd.
This anti-Israel protest at the NYC Pride parade is not isolated. Similar protests have occurred at other Pride events worldwide, reflecting a trend in the LGBTQ+ community concerning their support for Hamas and their animus towards Israel.
The parade which commenced at noon on Sunday at the intersection of 25th Street and Fifth Avenue near Madison Square Park was led by the LGBTQ motor club and was followed by a vibrant marching band and color guard, The Post report noted.. This year’s theme, “Reflect. Empower. Unite,” was chosen by NYC Pride organizers to encourage the community to reflect on past challenges, empower themselves for future endeavors, and unite in solidarity.
&nb
Queers for Palestine vs Queers in Palestine pic.twitter.com/J4AMYrSCws
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) May 5, 2024
The Post also reported that NYC Pride Executive Director Sandra Pérez highlighted the significance of the event: “The NYC Pride March is how we combat all the negativity; this is the celebration that brings people from every borough in the city and all parts of the world together, in joy, to share the accomplishments, talents and resilience of our community.”
This year’s parade also marked the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, a pivotal event in June 1969 that ignited the gay rights movement, as was indicated in The Post report. The historic Stonewall Inn, near the parade route, stands as a symbol of resistance and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
Mayor Eric Adams attended the parade, donning a blue ball cap embroidered with a rainbow and waving a Pride flag. He was accompanied by state Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar of Queens. The Post reported that despite the celebratory atmosphere, a few hecklers voiced their dissatisfaction with the mayor, chanting, “We need a new mayor!” as he passed by.
Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) made a notable appearance, marching down Fifth Avenue with a pair of whistles around his neck and carrying a bullhorn. Triumphant and spirited, Schumer raised his fist to the cheering crowd, embodying the parade’s theme of empowerment and unity. The Post reported that his presence, along with that of other prominent political figures such as Governor Kathy Hochul and State Attorney General Letitia James, underscored the political support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Among the diverse groups participating in the parade, a contingent of a few hundred marchers expressed their support for Israel. They waved flags that combined the Star of David with the Pride rainbow, symbolizing the intersection of Jewish and LGBTQ+ identities, as was observed in The Post report. Many wore shirts proclaiming “Jewish queer pride!” and flashed peace signs, embodying a message of unity and acceptance.
In contrast, a flatbed truck bearing large “FREE PALESTINE” banners carried about a dozen anti-Israel demonstrators. Dressed in keffiyehs and waving Palestinian flags, this group loudly cheered and chanted slogans advocating for “Palestinian Liberation,” as was reported by The Post. Despite their vocal presence, the crowd’s reaction was largely indifferent, highlighting the diversity of opinions and the complexity of global political issues within the LGBTQ+ community.
This year’s parade was particularly significant as it coincided with the grand opening of the Stonewall National Monument’s new $3.2 million visitor center. The Post reported that President Biden, Governor Kathy Hochul, and superstar singer and gay icon Elton John marked the occasion on Friday, emphasizing the importance of the monument in LGBTQ+ history.
On Sunday, the streets surrounding the Stonewall Inn were almost unwalkable as crowds clamored for a spot in the famous square. The Post reported that TV personality and singer Michelle Visage, best known as a judge on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” drew excited shrieks from the crowd as she waved from her convertible, adding to the festive atmosphere.
