As stars and celebrities ascended the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York for the Met Gala, another scene unfolded on the streets surrounding the famous venue. Thousands of pro-Palestine activists continued to demonstrate against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
A group in Central Park held cardboard signs with messages like “No Met Gala While Bombs Drop in Gaza” and “No Celebration Without Liberation.” Along Fifth Avenue, a larger contingent raised Palestinian flags, their chants of “Gaza! Gaza!” resonating through the evening air. Despite the efforts of the New York Police Department, tensions rose as arrests were made nearby, prompting criticism from some for what they saw as a heavy-handed approach.
These demonstrations take place against larger student-led movements, with universities like Columbia University serving as hubs for activism. Columbia University, which has been at the forefront of student protests against the Gaza conflict, canceled its main graduation ceremony on Monday, citing ongoing demonstrations that have shaken campuses nationwide.
Columbia, where over 100 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested the previous week, canceled the May 15 graduation ceremony due to security concerns, instead opting for smaller events. Despite this, some people were outraged by the decision and launched an online petition, which garnered over 2,300 signatures by Monday evening.
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