New York City

Press Coverage

Village Voice

Abstract: 

Here's a question: why would the New York City Council and various other local and state politicians decide to wade into the miserable, never-ending, blood-filled dogpile that is the Israeli/Palestinian conflict? In what way does a press conference on the Middle East dovetail with the actual business of our elected officials here in New York? Could a press conference called "New York Stands with Israel" possibly serve any other concrete purpose except to be a magnet for controversy? Seriously, how could this possibly end well?

Press Coverage

Capital

Abstract: 

At a pro-Israel rally on the steps of City Hall on Monday, dozens of elected officials asserted Israel's right to self-defense, over the sustained chants of roughly 100 pro-Palestinian protesters.

The two groups competed to be heard at the event, as the protesters shouted from outside the gates at both the east and west entrances to City Hall, often overpowering the voices of the officials who were speaking on the steps.

Press Coverage

New York Observer

Abstract: 

As the Democrats and religious leaders, one after the other, lined up once more to defend Israel, the cries beyond the City Hall gates threatened to drown them out.

“End the occupation now! Free, free Palestine!”

Press Coverage

Visiitor Pictures

Abstract: 

At 10AM, July 14, 2014 The Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, UJA-Federation of New York, together with the Jewish Caucus of the New York City Council organized a press conference in front of the steps of City Hall. With 14 members, this year’s caucus is bigger than ever and comprises the largest percentage of Jewish members on the Council since it expanded to 51 seats in 1991. Chairmanships come with an $8,000 a year bonus, while leadership positions bolster the councilman’s $112,000 annual salary by $15,000.

Press Coverage

Just Foreign Policy

Abstract: 

Around a hundred protesters surrounded New York City Hall during a “New York Stands With Israel” press conference Monday morning. The event, which was organized by the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York and the United Jewish Appeal Federation of New York, was intended to give New York City legislators the opportunity to justify Israel’s week-long bombing campaign of Gaza. But chants of “shame on you, City Council”, “New York stands with Palestine”, and “from Brooklyn to Palestine, genocide is a crime” penetrated the press conference—and media reports of it.

Press Coverage

New York Observer

Abstract: 

After turmoil in the Middle East divided some New Yorkers this morning — pro-Israel elected officials rallying on the City Hall steps, pro-Palestine protestors shouting from beyond the gates — Mayor Bill de Blasio said it was “absolutely” appropriate for local officials to voice support for Israel.

“Absolutely. I am a mayor of the city on the Earth with the largest Jewish population of anywhere on this Earth,” Mr. de Blasio told the Observer.

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