Progressive Jewish groups protest Netanyahu arrival in New York City

On Thursday, a diverse coalition of progressive Jewish groups protested Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's arrival in New York City for his address to the UN General Assembly. The demonstration, which spanned from liberal Zionist to anti-Zionist groups, was organized by organizations such as New York Jewish Agenda, T ruah, J Street, New Jewish Narrative, New Israel Fund, Smol Emuni and Partners for Progressive Israel.

Margo Hughes-Robinson, executive director of New York Jewish Agenda, stated that they were gathered to express their disapproval of Netanyahu's "racist, destructive policy" that endangers both Palestinians and Israelis.

Counterprotesters attempted to disrupt the gathering by yelling chants of "Bibi!" and singing Israel's national anthem, Hatikva. Netanyahu's visit marked the end of a tense exchange between the prime minister and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who vowed during his campaign to have Netanyahu arrested. Despite lacking the legal authority, Mamdani continued to call Netanyahu a war criminal and demanded his arrest by the International Criminal Court.

JVP praised Mayor Mamdani's stance on Israel, and over 1,000 people joined a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Manhattan. Several Democratic congressional nominees who are Israel critics, including Darializa Avila Chevalier, Chi Ossé, and Aber Kawas, participated in the protests. Activists such as Susan Sarandon, Hannah Einbinder, and Caleb Hearon also attended.

The protests highlighted a growing discontent among Americans with the US's support for Israel, particularly in light of the upcoming Israeli elections scheduled for October 27.