Full Breakdown
Protests Erupt in New York as Netanyahu Addresses the UN
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Demonstrations Outside the UN Headquarters
On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in New York City to deliver his United Nations General Assembly speech. A coalition of liberal-leaning Jewish groups, Palestinian activists, and other community members gathered in Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza and along nearby streets to block traffic and demand his removal. Protesters unfurled banners calling for an end to the Gaza conflict, sang “Hatikva,” and chanted “Bibi!” Police detained dozens of demonstrators; organizers estimate more than 100 arrests. The demonstrations were coordinated by groups such as New York Jewish Agenda, T’ruah, Jewish Voice for Peace Action, and Partners for Progressive Israel.
Background & Context: Mayor Mamdani’s Arrest Promise and Growing Opposition
Although Mamdani acknowledged he lacks legal authority to carry out an arrest, he repeatedly called for federal action and framed the mayoral race as a referendum on U.S. support for Israel. The protests reflect a broader shift in U.S. public opinion, with increasing numbers of elected officials and candidates openly questioning continued American aid to Israel.
Official Statements & Responses
Mamdani later held a press conference stating he would not attend the protests but affirmed New Yorkers’ constitutional right to demonstrate, emphasizing respect for the First Amendment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are gathered here as American Jews, Israelis, New Yorkers, to say: You are not welcome here,” — Margo Hughes-Robinson, executive director of the left-leaning group New York Jewish Agenda – spoken at the Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza protest.
- “He is promoting a racist, destructive policy that is endangering both Palestinians and Israelis as well as others in the region,” — Jill Jacobs, T’ruah’s CEO – expressed in a JTA interview about Netanyahu’s policies.
- “What we made clear today is that New Yorkers, including Jewish New Yorkers, do not want war criminals and the architects of genocide coming to our city,” — Beth Miller, political director of Jewish Voice for Peace Action – delivered by Beth Miller of Jewish Voice for Peace Action during the demonstration.
- “It is really important that we show that we are willing to fight back against our tax dollars being used to commit war crimes.” — New Jersey’s Adam Hamawy – stated by New Jersey activist Adam Hamawy as protesters were being detained.
- “Mayor Mamdani campaigned and won his election speaking about a promise to arrest Benjamin Netanyahu and that was something that thousands and hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers voted for,” — Aber Kawas – noted by Aber Kawas, a soon-to-be elected Palestinian-American legislator, on Mamdani’s campaign promise.
Data & Statistics
Organizers reported over 100 arrests during the Thursday protests, though the NYPD has not released an official count. The demonstrators included dozens of Jewish, Palestinian, Iranian, and Lebanese New Yorkers, as well as several elected officials and public figures.