06.05.2026 10:03
Chaos erupted at an anti-Israel protest targeting the historic Park East Synagogue in New York City, USA. A group of about 100 people unfurled Palestinian flags, chanted slogans, and attempted to breach police barriers to reach the synagogue. A scuffle broke out between security forces and protesters, resulting in a police officer being injured and taken to a hospital. After the attempted attack on the synagogue, the protests later spread to the area around Hunter College.
In New York City, USA, a protest organized by anti-Israel demonstrators turned eventful. A group of about 100 people gathered around the historic Park East Synagogue in Manhattan, waving Palestinian flags, beating drums, and chanting slogans such as "Israel should not exist," "Palestine will never die," and "Stop the sale of stolen lands."
THEY TRIED TO BREAK POLICE BARRIERS
During a protest held at an event promoting real estate projects in Israel and the West Bank, demonstrators attempted to breach police barriers around the synagogue and enter the street. Footage showed police officers shouting "step back" at the crowd and pushing protesters onto the sidewalk to block them. Counter-demonstrators also gathered in the area.
ONE POLICE OFFICER HOSPITALIZED
The New York Police Department (NYPD) reported that during the scuffle, a police officer was injured in the leg and taken to the hospital. No arrests were reported in connection with the incidents.
THE GROUP BEHIND THE PROTEST DREW ATTENTION
The demonstration was organized by the anti-Israel activist group Pal-Awda NY/NJ. The group highlighted slogans in their social media posts such as "Stop the sale of stolen Palestinian lands" and "We do not want settlers on stolen lands."
It was reported that the same group had earlier held a protest in front of the same synagogue in November, with around 200 participants protesting those attending the event.
NEW SECURITY LAW PUT ON THE AGENDA
Following the incidents, a law allowing the creation of security zones around synagogues and other places of worship in New York was brought back to the agenda. Under the law, the NYPD is required to prepare a security plan around places of worship during protests.
PROTESTS SPREAD ACROSS THE CITY
After the protest around the synagogue, another group of about 200 people held a march near Hunter College. Protesters carried banners reading "Declaring people antisemitic cannot justify occupation and violence" and "Stop the sale of Palestinian lands." Police reported that water was thrown at security forces from a building along the march route. Authorities said an investigation into the incidents is ongoing.