Pro-Palestinian Demonstrators Arrested in Brooklyn Protest Near Chuck Schumer’s Home
On the second night of Passover, tensions ran high in Brooklyn as hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered near the home of Senator Chuck Schumer, the Senate majority leader. The protesters were calling for an end to the United States’ military support of Israel, particularly in light of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
Despite Senator Schumer being in Washington at the time, the demonstrators rallied in Grand Army Plaza, just one block away from his Brooklyn residence. The scene was marked by a large circular banner representing a Seder plate, with the words “Jews say stop arming Israel” prominently displayed alongside images of traditional Seder meal foods.
As the evening progressed, a significant portion of the crowd moved into the street, blocking traffic and causing disruptions. Police officers warned the protesters to disperse, but when they refused, arrests were made. It was reported that at least 100 protesters were taken into custody, some wearing vests that read “Jews Say Cease-Fire Now.”
The protest, organized by pro-Palestinian Jewish groups, aimed to send a message to Senator Schumer as the Senate prepared for a final vote on a $95 billion aid package, including significant funds for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan. The timing of the protest during Passover underscored the urgency felt by many in the Jewish community to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and reevaluate U.S. support for Israel.
Stefanie Fox, executive director of Jewish Voice for Peace, emphasized the importance of speaking out against the atrocities being committed with American tax dollars. The protest highlighted the growing divide between some Jewish Americans and the Israeli government, particularly in light of Senator Schumer’s recent criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The demonstration served as a poignant reminder that Passover, a holiday celebrating liberation, should also be a time to reflect on the ongoing struggles for justice and freedom around the world. As one attendee put it, “We can’t celebrate liberation for ourselves while we’re oppressing Palestinians.”
The protest in Brooklyn was a powerful display of solidarity and activism, sparking important conversations about the role of the United States in international conflicts and the need for accountability in foreign policy decisions.
By Camille Baker and Claire Fahy
