Full Breakdown
Pro-Palestine Protesters Chant Support for Hamas Outside Queens Synagogue
1/11/2026, 12:15:55 AM
Incident Overview
On January 9, 2026, a protest organized by the Palestinian Assembly for Liberation (Pal-Awda) took place outside the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills synagogue in Queens, New York. Approximately 200 demonstrators were recorded chanting, “Say it loud, say it clear, we support Hamas here,” which drew widespread condemnation from various political figures and community leaders. The protest was reportedly aimed at opposing the sale of land in the West Bank, but the chants sparked significant backlash due to their explicit support for Hamas, a designated terrorist organization.
Political Reactions
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democratic representative for parts of The Bronx and Queens, publicly condemned the protest, stating, “Hey so marching into a predominantly Jewish neighborhood and leading with a chant saying ‘we support Hamas’ is a disgusting and antisemitic thing to do. Pretty basic!” Her remarks came amid criticism from some constituents questioning her sudden defense of Jewish communities, suggesting it may be politically motivated as she considers future electoral ambitions.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who faced scrutiny for his initial silence, later stated, “That language is wrong,” emphasizing that chants supporting a terrorist organization have no place in the city. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring the safety of all New Yorkers while respecting the right to protest.
Broader Implications
The protest led to the early closure of several Jewish institutions, including schools and daycares, due to safety concerns. Political figures, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Congressman Ritchie Torres, also condemned the protest. Hochul remarked, “Hamas is a terrorist organization that calls for the genocide of Jews. This type of rhetoric is disgusting, it's dangerous, and it has no place in New York.” Torres highlighted the historical context of Hamas's actions, stating, “Hamas murdered, maimed, mutilated, raped, and tortured thousands of innocent Israelis.”
Scott Richman, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, called for stronger condemnation from Mayor Mamdani, stressing the need for clear leadership against antisemitism in the city.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the widespread condemnation, some pro-Palestinian activists criticized Ocasio-Cortez for her remarks, arguing that her previous positions on Israel and Palestine were inconsistent with her current statements. Detractors on social media questioned her motives, suggesting that her comments were opportunistic given the political climate.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While many political figures condemned the protest, there were varying degrees of response from local leaders. Some critics noted that Mamdani's initial silence on the matter raised concerns about his stance on antisemitism, given his past comments linking police actions to Israeli military practices. The lack of immediate and strong condemnation from some officials has led to calls for clearer statements against antisemitism.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Hey so marching into a predominantly Jewish neighborhood and leading with a chant saying ‘we support Hamas’ is a disgusting and antisemitic thing to do,” — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, U.S. Representative
- “I think that language has no place in New York City.” — Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City
- “there is no ambiguity here. This is support of a terrorist organization. This cannot be normalized and excused. Truly reprehensible.” — Marc D. Levine, New York City Comptroller
- “These a**holes in NYC proudly chant for Hamas in close proximity to a Jewish school and place of worship,” — John Fetterman, U.S. Senator
The incident has sparked a broader discussion about the intersection of free speech, protest rights, and the implications of antisemitism in political discourse, particularly in a diverse city like New York.
