On February 26, a protest was anticipated outside the Islamic Society of Bay Ridge due to a rumored pro-Israel rally. In response, a large group of pro-Palestine activists organized a counter-event, emphasizing community solidarity against perceived anti-Palestinian sentiments. Despite the heavy police presence, with helicopters overhead, the anticipated pro-Israel protesters did not show, indicating a successful mobilization of the pro-Palestine community. Activist groups voiced strong opposition to perceived racism and Islamophobia, foregrounding both unity and advocacy for the Palestinian cause in a tense socio-political environment.
"They came to our synagogues and to our neighborhoods, now we go to theirs!" the flyer reads.
"A Zionist protest targeting a mosque central to New York's Palestinian and Arab community must be understood for what it is: a blatantly racist, anti-Palestinian and Islamophobic attack that is a clear attempt to intimidate the movement for Palestine," Pal-Awda said in a statement.
"They pulled that flyer because they saw our community come together in large force," said Pal-Awda member Leena Widdi at the protest.
Hundreds of pro-Palestine protesters gathered outside the Islamic Society of Bay Ridge on Feb. 26 after rumors spread online that pro-Israel groups would protest outside the mosque the same night.
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