Anti-Zionist Jews Protest Netanyahu’s Presence at the UN General Assembly in NYC

On Friday, September 27, 2024, anti-Zionist Jewish groups gathered in New York City to protest the presence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he prepared to address the 79th United Nations General Assembly. Protests took place at two key locations—outside Netanyahu’s hotel at the corner of 61st Street and Park Avenue, and at Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza—where protesters condemned his policies, accusing him of war crimes and rejecting his claim to represent the Jewish people.

Netanyahu’s hotel

In front of Netanyahu’s hotel, a group of anti-Zionist Jews gathered early in the morning, chanting slogans that denounced Netanyahu’s actions, making it clear that he does not represent all Jews. They condemned him for the war crimes committed against the Palestinian people and demanded that the world recognize the distinction between Zionism and Judaism.

Rabbi Yisroel Dovid Weiss was one of the leading voices at the protest outside the hotel. Rabbi Weiss exposed what he sees as the hypocrisy of Netanyahu’s leadership. He argued that Zionist policies, particularly those targeting Palestinians, are a direct rebellion against the values of Judaism. Rabbi Weiss pointed out that while Netanyahu uses Jewish symbols and rhetoric, his actions—committing violence and supporting the occupation—are completely contrary to the teachings of the Torah. “Netanyahu is a war criminal,” Rabbi Weiss declared, “and he has no right to speak on behalf of the Jewish faith.”

Rabbi Dovid Feldman also addressed the crowd at the protest outside the hotel. He criticized Netanyahu for his repeated claims that Israel’s actions are rooted in Jewish values. Rabbi Feldman argued that the Prime Minister’s use of Jewish identity as political propaganda is false and manipulative. “Netanyahu has stolen Jewish identity,” said Rabbi Feldman, adding that the State of Israel, particularly under Netanyahu’s leadership, has become a vehicle for oppression and occupation, in stark contrast to true Jewish teachings. He emphasized that many Jewish communities around the world oppose Netanyahu’s actions and Zionism as a whole.

Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza

Later in the day, as Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly, another protest took place at Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza, where anti-Zionist Jews gathered to make their opposition to his speech known. Holding signs and chanting for Palestinian freedom, the protesters demanded that the world not conflate Zionism with Judaism. Their message was clear: Israel and its criminal actions are forbidden, and do not represent all Jews.

Rabbi Feldman spoke to the press during the protest at the plaza, reiterating that Netanyahu’s claim to speak for the Jewish people is false. He pointed out that, especially in light of the ongoing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, more Jewish communities are publicly condemning the actions of the Israeli state. “The State of Israel does not speak in the name of Judaism, and we are here today to make sure that message is heard loud and clear,” said Rabbi Feldman.

Rabbi Weiss, who also participated in the protest at the plaza, expressed the pain many Jews feel when crimes are committed in the name of their religion. “It is a tragedy that such actions are being done in the name of Judaism,” said Rabbi Weiss, “but let it be known: these actions do not represent the Jewish people or our faith.” He emphasized that opposing Zionist actions is not anti-Semitic, but rather a moral obligation to stand up for the oppressed. Rabbi Weiss concluded his remarks by expressing his hope that the occupation will end soon, and that Palestine will one day be free.