Dozens of Israel supporters gathered outside Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s office in Manhattan to protest his support of President Biden withholding weapons for Israel’s invasion of Rafah. Demonstrators called for Schumer’s resignation, accusing him of betraying Israel and staying silent on antisemitism on college campuses. Protesters chanted slogans and held signs criticizing Schumer, with one calling him a “putrid human being” for his actions.
One protester, a resident of the Upper East Side, criticized Schumer for not sending more arms to Israel and compared it to the aid given to Ukraine. Another demonstrator, a Manhattan real-estate worker, accused Schumer of backstabbing Israel by supporting Biden’s decision on Rafah. Attendees at the protest expressed their disappointment in Schumer for not standing up to the President and condemned his actions by waving flags and shouting slogans.
Schumer’s decision to support Biden’s choice to withhold weapons for Israel was met with strong backlash from the protesters. Despite believing in the strong relationship between America and Israel, Schumer faced criticism for not taking a stronger stance on the issue. The protesters were also upset about the rise in antisemitism on college campuses, claiming Schumer had been silent on the issue. However, a representative for Schumer pointed out that he had denounced anti-Israel actions at Columbia University and helped pass $14 billion in direct aid to Israel without conditions.
The ongoing tension between Israel, Hamas, and the United States led to the protests outside Schumer’s office. Demonstrators were frustrated with Schumer’s support of Biden’s decision and felt he was not doing enough to support Israel. The harsh words and calls for resignation reflected the deep disappointment felt by the protesters towards Schumer’s actions. Despite Schumer defending his support for Israel and condemning antisemitism on college campuses, the protesters still felt he had not done enough to truly support Israel in the conflict with Rafah.
The protest outside Schumer’s office in Manhattan highlighted the strong feelings and opinions held by Israel supporters against the Senate Majority Leader. Despite Schumer’s attempts to balance support for Israel and concerns about antisemitism, the protesters felt he had not been vocal or supportive enough in key moments. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, along with the decision to withhold weapons for Israel, added to the frustration felt by the demonstrators. The calls for Schumer’s resignation and criticism of his actions show the deep divide and passion within the Israel-supporting community in New York City.
