Protesters storm NYT office demanding Gaza ceasefire, with New York War Crimes mock-papers in hand
Pro-Palestinian protesters took their cause right to the heart of journalism - The New York Times lobby. A group of activists, dubbed "Writers Bloc", crashed the Times building demanding an instant ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. And they weren't shy about accusing the media, including the Times, of having a soft spot for Israel in their coverage.
What
In a striking demonstration that unfolded this morning, pro-Palestinian activists seized the lobby of The New York Times, amplifying their call for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The protesters, largely part of a movement identified as "Writers Bloc", marched through Midtown Manhattan, joining the chorus of voices denouncing Israel's attacks on Gaza.
‼️HAPPENING NOW: Thousands in support of Palestine march through Manhattan to New York Times offices pic.twitter.com/oVBDQiKxCi
— Radio Free Amanda 余美娜 (@catcontentonly) November 9, 2023
The demonstration, part of a string of nightly protests since the onset of the war, escalated when a faction of protesters entered the atrium of The New York Times building.
Over 100 journalists occupy the lobby of the New York Times building to call out the publication’s complicity in the ongoing genocide of Gaza.
— Palestinian Youth Movement (@palyouthmvmt) November 9, 2023
To learn more about the plan to maintain sustained pressure on media and elected officials in NY and NJ, visit https://t.co/s9JCppPINb. pic.twitter.com/ag1FGSRUJj
Carrying a banner demanding a ceasefire, the activists, composed largely of media workers, maintained their presence within the Times' lobby for over an hour.
During this time, they read aloud the names of thousands of Palestinians who had lost their lives in Gaza, a poignant reminder of the human toll in the conflict.
Hundreds of writers read aloud the names of the New York Times editorial board, screaming: “New York Times you have blood on your hands.” pic.twitter.com/Xz3SWFHcqn
— Mohammed El-Kurd (@m7mdkurd) November 9, 2023
The New York War Crimes
In a symbolic gesture, the activists distributed editions of a mock newspaper titled "The New York War Crimes". This publication accused the media, including The New York Times, of complicity in "laundering genocide" and urged the Times' editorial board to publicly endorse a ceasefire.
To cap it all off, they tagged the Times headquarters with the word "Lies" – literal graffiti on the door.
at the new york times building pic.twitter.com/ePLAWXYcME
— Mohammed El-Kurd (@m7mdkurd) November 9, 2023
NYC erupts
This whole thing isn't just about the Times, though.
It's part of a series of outcries in the Big Apple – like when activists from Jewish Voice for Peace took a brief timeout at the Statue of Liberty. And let's not forget the Grand Central Terminal takeover where hundreds of folks brought the hustle and bustle to a grinding halt, demanding a "Ceasefire Now".
500 Jews and allies took over the Statue of Liberty in a sit-in to demand @POTUS call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
— Jewish Voice for Peace (@jvplive) November 9, 2023
After shutting down Grand Central Station, we took over the Statue of Liberty — because we won't be silent while the Israeli military wages a genocidal war in our name! pic.twitter.com/ZlkVqA2OJR
The New York Times's involvement in the protest reflects a perceived connection between media coverage and the unfolding tragedy in Gaza. Activists argue that the media, including the renowned publication, is not only displaying double standards against Palestinians but is also deeply implicated through institutional complicity with governments perpetuating the conflict.