New York Leaders Condemn Pro-Hamas Chants at Queens Protest in Jewish Neighborhood
QUEENS, N.Y. — A protest held in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood of Queens, New York, sparked swift and forceful condemnation from prominent Democratic leaders after demonstrators were recorded chanting “we support Hamas” while waving Palestinian flags. The incident, which circulated widely on social media, drew rebukes from New York Governor Kathy Hochul, U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, underscoring the heightened sensitivities surrounding the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Video footage from the demonstration shows a group of protesters vocally expressing support for Hamas, an organization designated as a terrorist group by the U.S. Department of State. The chants took place in an area known for its significant Jewish population, intensifying the backlash. Representative Ocasio-Cortez condemned the protest’s location and message, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “Hey so marching into a predominantly Jewish neighborhood and leading with a chant saying ‘we support Hamas’ is a disgusting and antisemitic thing to do. Pretty basic!”
Governor Hochul echoed these sentiments, sharing the video on her social media accounts and labeling the rhetoric as both dangerous and unacceptable. “Hamas is a terrorist organization that calls for the genocide of Jews,” she said. “No matter your political beliefs, this type of rhetoric is disgusting, it’s dangerous, and it has no place in New York.” Hochul’s statement aligns with the position of the Department of Justice, which enforces federal laws prohibiting material support to designated terrorist organizations.
Mayor Mamdani also addressed the incident, emphasizing the city’s commitment to public safety while upholding constitutional rights. “As I said earlier today, chants in support of a terrorist organization have no place in our city,” he wrote. “We will continue to ensure New Yorkers’ safety entering and exiting houses of worship as well as the constitutional right to protest.” His remarks come amid ongoing debates about balancing free speech with community security, particularly in areas with vulnerable populations.
New York Attorney General Letitia James added her voice to the chorus of condemnation, succinctly stating on social media, “Hamas is a terrorist organization. We do not support terrorists. Period.” This unified front from city and state officials reflects a broader national concern over antisemitic threats and violence that have escalated since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in Israel.
The protest and its inflammatory chants have reignited discussions about the responsibilities of public demonstrations, especially when they intersect with deeply sensitive ethnic and religious communities. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and other federal agencies have been monitoring potential threats to places of worship and community centers nationwide, recognizing the increased risk of hate crimes in the wake of international conflicts.
While Mayor Mamdani has previously faced scrutiny for his refusal to explicitly condemn Hamas, focusing instead on issues like affordability for New Yorkers, this latest incident has prompted a more direct denunciation. The tension between upholding free speech rights and condemning support for terrorist organizations continues to challenge policymakers and community leaders.
As New York City and state officials navigate these complex dynamics, the incident in Queens serves as a stark reminder of the volatile intersection between local activism and global conflicts. The unequivocal rejection of pro-Hamas chants by elected leaders aims to reinforce the city’s commitment to combating antisemitism and protecting all its residents from hate-fueled violence.
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