Fourth of July celebrations in New York yesterday were disrupted by Pro-Palestine protests, who chanted “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” as they marched across the city.
Around 100 protesters took part in the demonstration, planned to “Flood July 4th for Gaza”. Organisers encouraged demonstrators to bring Palestinian flags.
The demonstrators burned American flags as they chanted “burn it down,” “Fuck Israel” and ‘Fuck America”. At least one person was arrested, according to police.
The protest, organised for American Independence Day, was part of a series of demonstrations which planned to disrupt Fourth of July celebrations across the country.
In Philidelphia, an “All Out for Gaza” rally attracted hundreds of protesters. Several people were arrested yesterday evening, after the march escalated into clashes with police.
Philadelphia’s protest was organised to challenge the “hypocrisy” behind Independence Day. The Philidephia Palestine Coaltion (PPC) called on protesters to “rally for resistance” and “support Palestine not Amerikkka,” which merges America with KKK – the Klu Klux Klan. “We don’t celebrate the legacy of genocide, colonialism, and slavery that July 4th symbolizes but struggle for true liberation for all,” the post continued.
The PPC has previously been criticised for organising “antisemitic campaigns”. The Jewish Federation of Greater Philidelphia condemned the PPC for their boycott of “Zionist” owned business, which “serves to intimidate, isolate, and scapegoat Israeli and Jewish businesses”. The PPC has also been accused of showing support for Hamas and the October 7 attacks.