Targeting Cultural Institutions

Pro-Palestine protestors staged rallies and demonstrations across New York City over the holiday weekend, directing their efforts at prominent cultural institutions, including the Whitney Museum of American Art and the American Museum of Natural History.

Escalation Since October 7 Attack

The protests have intensified since the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, leading to military bombardment and invasion of Gaza. The political schism between artists, patrons, and museum workers has widened, fueling the frequency and intensity of these demonstrations.

Fake Blood at the Whitney

On November 22, protestors at the Whitney Museum splashed fake blood on the main entrance, shouting slogans, including accusations against Whitney board member Ken Griffin. Griffin, also Citadel CEO, has been criticised for condemning pro-Palestine student groups at Harvard University.

Manhattan March and Vandalism

A march for Gaza in Manhattan coincided with the Whitney protest. Protestors were barred from entering The High Line, resulting in video-documented vandalism at the museum’s steps and revolving front door.

Thanksgiving Day Rally and Graffiti Damage

On Thanksgiving Day, a rally at the New York Public Library led to significant graffiti damage amounting to approximately $75,000. Pro-Palestine activists targeted the historic structure, criticising library donor Stephen A. Schwarzman for aid pledged to Israel.

American Museum of Natural History Demonstration

On November 25, hundreds of pro-Palestine demonstrators gathered at Columbus Circle, marching north to the American Museum of Natural History. Chants and signs emphasized opposition to Israel’s actions, with attempts to enter the museum blocked by police.

Humanitarian Pause Controversy

The nonviolent rally occurred during a pause in Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. However, controversy surrounds the legitimacy of this pause, with reports of Palestinians facing threats from Israeli troops when attempting to return to northern Gaza.

Ongoing Persistence

Nerdeen Kiswani, a representative of the Palestinian-led organization Within Our Lifetime (WOL), emphasized that protests would persist despite the so-called humanitarian pause. The ongoing demonstrations reflect the deep-seated concerns of the pro-Palestine movement in the face of the conflict’s toll on civilians.

As tensions continue, the protests underscore the complexities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the growing impact on cultural and civic institutions in New York City.

Feature Image: NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 17: Photo by Eduardo MunozAlvarez/VIEWpress)CORBIS VIA GETTY IMAGES

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