What it is about
“Especially Heinous”: White House Responds to NYC Labor Day Protesters Waving Hamas, Hezbollah Flags
On Labor Day, pro-Hamas and pro-Hezbollah protesters took to the streets of New York City waving flags of organizations known for their anti-Israel terrorism. This starkly came a day after Israel discovered the bodies of six slain hostages, including one Israeli-American.
Why it matters
Condemnation from the Highest Levels
The White House issued a powerful condemnation of the protest, labeling the display of support for terrorist organizations Hamas and Hezbollah as “especially heinous,” particularly on a day when Americans were burying a brutally murdered Israeli-American hostage.
What they’re saying
Official Statements
“As President Biden and Vice President Harris have said, there is absolutely no place in America for the poison of Antisemitism,” stated White House Deputy Press Secretary, Andrew Bates.
Bates emphasized that expressing support for Hamas comes at a particularly shameful time, considering the ongoing mourning for Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli-American hostage murdered by Hamas. “This is a moment for all Americans to stand united against Antisemitism and the vile hate and evil that Hamas represents,” Bates added.
The bigger picture
Who is Behind the Protests?
The protests, dubbed “Flood NYC for Gaza,” are organized by “Within Our Lifetime.” This group has routinely organized large demonstrations since the massacre executed by Hamas on Oct. 7. Critics have charged the group to harbor strong antisemitic views and call for the expulsion of “Zionists” from New York City.
Context
Disturbing Trends
Monday’s demonstration featured thousands of participants waving anti-Israel terrorist group flags. Such disturbing images come not in isolation; anti-Israel demonstrations continued the next day at Columbia University’s campus, raising further concerns over the spread of antisemitism.
Previous protests by the same group have also shown similar symbols, undermining peace and commemorations for victims of terror attacks, according to New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Any New Yorker who stands for peace cannot stand next to those waving Hamas and Hezbollah flags,” declared the mayor.
Final thoughts
Sentiments in the Air
The backlash and condemnation from officials underscore a significant point: public support for terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah fosters division and propagates hatred. The need for solidarity against antisemitism couldn’t be more emphasized as the world reflects on the horrors Israeli victims face.
This story was first published on foxnews.com.