A vigil for Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli air strike on September 27, was held at New York City’s Washington Square Park. The event, which drew around 100 people, mostly comprised college students and families with young children. However, the atmosphere quickly shifted from a somber vigil to a loud protest.
Despite few attendees knowing who Nasrallah was, many expressed support for Hamas and Hezbollah, while others questioned the Israeli government’s actions. A woman wearing a cheetah-print headscarf stated that she supported Hezbollah and Hamas, but denied celebrating the deaths of Palestinian children. In contrast, a Jewish woman wearing a keffiyeh and criticizing Zionism expressed sympathy for Gazan civilians killed by Israeli bombing.
The event was marred by counterprotesters from pro-Israel groups, who hurled insults at attendees. Meanwhile, another protester wore a Palestinian flag as a cape and carried a utility vest with a body camera to deter potential conflicts. The protest highlights the deepening divisions between those supporting Hamas and Hezbollah and those opposing their actions.
Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist terrorist militia formed in 1982, with a history of bombings and rocket attacks against Israel. Its leaders have authorized such violence in response to Israeli actions, sparking international condemnation. The event serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding this sensitive issue, with many questioning whether it’s possible for those opposing Hamas to truly sympathize with Gazan civilians.
In contrast, others argue that criticizing Hamas is equivalent to supporting Israel, highlighting the need for nuanced discussions about these complex issues.
Source: https://www.thefp.com/p/new-yorks-vigil-for-hassan-nasrallah