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Paterson, Schumer Join Pro-Israel Rally in Midtown
By
Jen Chung
Published Jan 12, 2009
Modified Jan 12, 2009
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By
Jen Chung
Published Jan 12, 2009
Modified Jan 12, 2009
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Thousands of people who support Israel's actions gathered near the Israeli Consulate yesterday afternoon. Governor David Paterson, one of many elected officials on hand, wore a red hat, which NY1 explains "symboliz[e] the red alerts many in Israel experience day after day, under rocket fire from Hamas-controlled Gaza." He said, "We recognize the right of the state of Israel to protect itself. We recognize the right of the men and women of that great state to protect its own children." Paterson added, "For the last three and a half years, Israel's been bombarded daily by a number of rockets coming from Gaza. The founding charter of Hamas calls for the obliteration of the state of Israel."
Senator Charles Schumer asked the crowd, "What country would be asked not to defend itself? Would any country that had rockets launched at it day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year be told, 'Let the rockets continue? Just sit down and talk?" People also yelled, according to the AP, "Israel yes, Hamas no!"
In Times Square, there was a smaller pro-Palestinian demonstration of about 150. One protester said, "I am here to stop the massacre in Gaza. It has to stop right now." A fight broke out when someone "stomped on a Palestinian flag"—ten people were arrested and seven cops suffered minor injuries. And today, it's reported that Israeli troops have moved into Gaza City.
Tagged
Gaza Strip
governor paterson
hamas
israel
Israel-Hamas
palestine
protest
senator schumer
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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