Introduction to the Protest

A chaotic scene unfolded in Midtown Manhattan Sunday night as cops wrestled with thousands of orthodox Jewish protesters in an effort to stop them flooding into the roadway and overrunning traffic.

NYPD officers could be seen tussling with metal guard rails and pushing a deluge of humanity back on the sidewalks as vehicles came to a crawl not far from the Israeli consulate at 800 2nd Ave. Some cops even got into shoving matches with hundreds of men who swarmed around them.

Background of the Protest

The demonstration began earlier that afternoon and saw upwards of ten thousand orthodox Jewish men assemble to protest both what they say is mistreatment of the orthodox people by Israel, as well as forced military conscription.
The demonstration began earlier that afternoon and saw upwards of ten thousand orthodox Jewish men assemble to protest both what they say is mistreatment of the orthodox people by Israel, as well as forced military conscription.
So many people gathered that they stood on trash cans and Citibike racks.

Reasons Behind the Protest

“Americans are unaware of Israel’s horrific treatment of Orthodox Jews. From night raids in Orthodox neighborhoods to checkpoints to arrests of Yeshiva students, Israel is persecuting the very religious people that it claims to protect,” Rabbi Issac Green said. “Israel should not force Orthodox Jews to join an anti-religious army to fight wars against their religion.”

Organization and Support

The mass gathering looked to raise awareness of these issues and was organized by the Central Rabbinical Congress, as well as backed by both Satmar and Grand Rebbes. Both children and seniors joined the cause, with so many people gathering that they stood on trash cans and Citibike racks.

Clash with Police

As the evening wore on and more and more people joined the rally the sheer amount of bodies began spilling off of the sidewalk and into the roadways. Some protesters could be seen darting in and out of traffic as police directed them back. The commands, however, fell on deaf ears and the crowd spiraled out of control, leaving some officers to be squashed between bodies.
“Get back on the sidewalk, now!” one cop screamed through a megaphone. Police used metal barricades and tape to try and temper the deluge but demonstrators continued to push through. This resulted in several clashes and shoving matches.
Some protesters could be seen darting in and out of traffic as police directed them back. The commands, however, fell on deaf ears and the crowd spiraled out of control, leaving some officers to be squashed between bodies.
Police told those gathered to back up.
Some protesters could be seen darting in and out of traffic as police directed them back. The commands, however, fell on deaf ears and the crowd spiraled out of control, leaving some officers to be squashed between bodies.
Police attempted to push protesters back.
Shoving matches.
“Get back on the sidewalk, now!” one cop screamed through a megaphone.
Cops pushed people back onto the sidewalk.

Conclusion

The protest in Midtown Manhattan highlights the deep-seated concerns of the orthodox Jewish community regarding their treatment by Israel and the issue of forced military conscription. The event, though chaotic, brought attention to the plight of orthodox Jews and their struggle for rights and recognition.

FAQs

• Q: What was the protest in Midtown Manhattan about?
  A: The protest was about the mistreatment of orthodox Jews by Israel and the issue of forced military conscription.
• Q: How many people attended the protest?
  A: Upwards of ten thousand orthodox Jewish men attended the protest.
• Q: Who organized the protest?
  A: The protest was organized by the Central Rabbinical Congress and backed by both Satmar and Grand Rebbes.
• Q: Were there any arrests made during the protest?
  A: According to police sources, no arrests were made.
• Q: What was the response of the police to the protesters?
  A: The police used metal barricades and tape to try and control the crowd, and there were several clashes and shoving matches between the police and protesters.