Pro-Israeli, pro-Palestinian demonstrators face off throughout New York City
NEW YORK -- Pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian demonstrators faced off throughout New York City on Friday, and police sources confirm dozens of arrests were made.
The area around the Israeli Consulate at 42nd Street and Second Avenue was frozen Friday night, meaning barricades were set up and no one was allowed in or out.
We've learned about 50 people were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, but despite moments of tension, demonstrations Friday remained mostly peaceful.
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From marching on 42nd Street in Manhattan to blocking traffic at Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza, demonstrators condemned the killing of innocent civilians and children.
"It's very sick what's going on in Palestine, and it just makes me sick," a pro-Palestinian demonstrator said.
"The only thing I can do right now is come here, make Israeli voice and just talk about what's happening back home," one pro-Israeli demonstrator said.
"I think it came to a shock to a lot of people and caught us by surprise, caught them by surprise, and they are mourning the death of friends and neighbors," another pro-Israeli demonstrator said.
Sources say 50 people who were part of a Jewish group against genocide were arrested and charged for blocking traffic at Grand Army Plaza.
Two others were taken into custody at a pro-Palestinian rally at Baruch College.
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Police estimate 3,000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators rallied in Times Square on Friday afternoon.
"We want to live like 1948 with neighbors of Jewish, we want to live with Christian neighbors, Muslim. We want to live in peace," Palestinian Yafa Suleiman said.
"It's not a Jewish thing. It's not a Muslim thing. It's a human rights thing, and we're sick of it," said a member of the Sudanese Arab community.
"I'm for the civilians. I'm for the humanitarian crisis," another person said.
"Three million people lived in Gaza, and there's no power, no electricity, no water. They are suffering now. It's very hard for them," one pro-Palestinian demonstrator said.
A smaller group of around 300 pro-Israeli demonstrators turned up. The groups were kept separated by police.
Many Israelis tell us they decided to stay home Friday for the Sabbath, and also concern over a former Hamas chief calling for a "global day of rage."
In response to that call, sources say the NYPD ramped up their presence, deploying 6,000 cops citywide, including at synagogues and mosques.
NYPD sources say expect to see increased police presence outside places of worship and in the transit system throughout the weekend. Police will re-evaluated their response Monday.
