Hundreds of demonstrators filled the streets of New York City on Wednesday, commemorating the 77th anniversary of the Nakba – a day Palestinians remember the displacement of over 700,000 people during the establishment of Israel in 1948. The march, organized by pro-Palestinian groups, highlighted ongoing calls for justice and solidarity amid escalating tensions in Gaza.
Protesters carried banners reading "Free Palestine" and chanted demands for an immediate ceasefire as they marched from Union Square to Times Square. Organizers linked the historical significance of the Nakba to recent developments, citing the Palestinian Ministry of Health's report of over 53,000 Palestinian casualties since Israel's 2023 military campaign in Gaza began.
"This isn’t just about history – it’s about holding the world accountable today," said Lena Al-Hadid, a Palestinian-American activist at the rally. "We’re seeing the same patterns of displacement and violence unfold in real time."
The event drew a diverse crowd, including students, diaspora communities, and interfaith groups, reflecting growing global attention to the conflict. Similar rallies were reported in London, Jakarta, and Cape Town.
