Pro-Palestinian Protesters Disrupt Memorial for Oct. 7 Victims in NYC

A memorial event for victims of the October 7 Hamas attacks, organized by the Israeli collective Israelis for Peace, was disrupted by hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators at Union Square Park in New York City on Wednesday evening. The protesters occupied the planned location, forcing organizers to move the vigil to a nearby, police-secured area. Attendees lit electric candles and held signs reading "Not one more life."

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani attended the event. Upon learning of his presence, pro-Palestinian protesters chanted "Traitor!" and directed insults at him, despite his known criticisms of Israel, also accusing him of succumbing to "Zionist" pressure. The mayor remained silent throughout the ceremony and did not respond to the invectives.

Speeches during the vigil were frequently drowned out by megaphones, drums, and slogans such as "Long live Hamas" and "Gaza will be liberated." One demonstrator directly addressed the organizers, stating, "We don't want peace with Israelis. We sent yours to hell on October 7." A Hamas flag and a portrait of Yahya Sinwar, identified as a key organizer of the October 7 attack, were displayed. Some protesters mockingly sang the traditional Jewish song "Hava Nagila" while holding electric candles.

Despite the disruption, the vigil continued with readings of testimonies from Israeli and Palestinian victims and a Muslim prayer. Democratic Congressional candidate Brad Lander recited the words of a mother whose 20-year-old son was murdered at the Nova music festival. The ceremony concluded with the mourner's Kaddish prayer, while protesters chanted "Death to the IDF."

Following the vigil, pro-Israel activists holding Israeli flags engaged in verbal confrontations with the pro-Palestinian demonstrators, with police maintaining separation between the groups. No physical altercations or arrests were reported.