Police arrested over 200 pro-Palestinian demonstrators during a sit-in outside the New York Stock Exchange on Monday, where they demanded an end to U.S. support for Israel’s war in Gaza, authorities reported.
The protesters, many from activist groups such as Jewish Voice for Peace, chanted slogans like “let Gaza live” and “stop funding genocide” in front of the stock exchange’s iconic building in lower Manhattan near Wall Street.
While none of the protesters entered the stock exchange, dozens crossed a police security fence outside the main building on Broad Street. A police spokesperson confirmed 206 arrests, though details were not provided. Jewish groups involved in the protest stated that around 500 people attended. The stock exchange did not immediately comment on the incident.
The demonstrators expressed their anger toward U.S. defense contractors and weapons manufacturers, and some also voiced opposition to Israeli military actions in Lebanon against Hezbollah militants.
“(Hundreds) of Jews and friends are shutting down the New York Stock Exchange to demand the U.S. stop arming Israel and profiting from genocide,” Jewish Voice for Peace posted on X. Israel, which denies allegations of genocide, has stated that its military actions in Gaza target Hamas militants.
A smaller group of pro-Israel counter-protesters was present, carrying Israeli flags.
This demonstration was the latest expression of opposition to American support for Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, launched after Hamas killed 1,200 people in Israel and took 250 hostages during the October 7, 2023, attacks. According to Gaza health officials, Israel’s military response has killed nearly 42,000 Palestinians and displaced much of the population in Gaza.