Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in New York City on Monday night, targeting a cancer hospital and medical facilities with accusations of “complicity in genocide.” The demonstrators, numbering in the thousands, shouted slogans at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan, accusing the institution of being complicit in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. The protest then moved on to Starbucks and McDonald’s, with protesters claiming further “complicity” in genocide.
During the demonstration, three people, including a 16-year-old boy, were arrested by the police. The incident drew criticism from those concerned about the impact on patients at the cancer center, as well as its pediatric day hospital. Danny Morris, who tracks antisemitism, expressed his disapproval, stating that pro-Palestinian protesters targeting a cancer hospital was “not a good look.”
This demonstration is part of a series of protests that have taken place in New York City in recent months, both in support of Palestinians and in support of Israel. Last year, clashes between tens of thousands of protesters occurred as Israel launched a retaliatory campaign against Hamas, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis.
In addition to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, protesters also targeted the Mt. Sinai Medical Center, accusing it of supporting “zionism.” Chants of “Mount Sinai you can’t hide, you support genocide” echoed through the streets. The demonstration caused distress to a Jewish woman living nearby, who compared the scene to Germany in 1939.
New York City has experienced a surge in protests related to the Israel-Palestine conflict. In earlier demonstrations, protesters attempted to block access to bridges and a major tunnel in Manhattan. There have also been instances of burning Israeli flags and blocking traffic in the city.
Anders Hagstrom, a reporter with Digital, covered the protest and provided updates on the campaign trail and other political events.
