Hundreds Rally at UN Headquarters Demanding Action Against Antisemitism

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered near the United Nations headquarters in New York on Wednesday evening, urging world leaders attending the General Assembly to combat the rise of antisemitism globally. The rally, held on Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza and organized by the UJA-Federation of New York and the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, included religious representatives and survivors of antisemitic attacks.

"World leaders are gathered in our city, right next door, at the UN, to discuss global challenges," stated Eric Goldstein, CEO of the UJA-Federation of New York. "But we know they are not addressing the rampant proliferation of antisemitism across the globe."

Devorah Halberstam, whose son was killed in a 1994 attack, implored international officials to carry this message back to their home countries, declaring, "Antisemitism must stop. Not tomorrow. Not when it's politically convenient. Now."

Speakers, including Anti-Defamation League Director Jonathan Greenblatt, criticized what they perceive as official inaction against anti-Jewish violence, with Greenblatt suggesting that "deliberate passivity in the face of antisemitism" could be a form of complicity. George Zamot, an UPS driver who intervened in a July stabbing attack, and Shalev Biton, a survivor of the Nova festival attack on October 7th, who appeared alongside his rescuer Younes Alkarnawi, also addressed the crowd, symbolizing unity.

A small group of counter-protesters from the anti-Zionist group Neturei Karta were also present. Organizers aimed to ensure Jewish community voices were heard during UN General Assembly week and to place the fight against antisemitism at the forefront of international discussions.