Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City by gluing themselves to the pavement and spray painting “Free Palestine” on the pillars of the New York Public Library, according to the Washington Post.
Their demonstration brought attention to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, with protesters jumping barricades and holding up signs reading “Genocide then, genocide now,” as a McDonald’s car carrying the Grimace looked on near West 55th Street.
While some were issued summons for trespassing, four individuals were arrested and criminally charged for the vandalism at the New York Public Library. The NYPD identified those arrested as Jay Waxse, Natalia Scollo, Sarah Al Azzawi, and Alvin Dan.
The protests in New York come after a deal between Israel and Hamas led to a pause in the fighting in Gaza, providing a respite after weeks of airstrikes and violence.
Notably, the actions of the protesters were not endorsed by all members of the parade, particularly the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts, whose float was used by a man to show support for Palestine. The tribe denounced his actions and clarified that they “take no stance on the conflicts overseas.”
The protest disrupted the parade at the same time that President Biden and first lady Jill Biden were calling into the broadcast to give thanks to first responders and troops, emphasizing the importance of coming together as a nation.
The New York Public Library stated that the damage to the building would be costly amid budget cuts, expressing support for the right to protest but condemning the acts of vandalism.
In the face of ongoing conflicts and significant global events, demonstrations like these serve as a reminder of the fervent passions and opinions that can lead to civil disobedience, resulting in calls for justice and change.