Masked demonstrators carried Hamas and Hezbollah flags at an anti-Israel protest in Manhattan on May 15, 2026, hours after federal authorities charged Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, an alleged Kataib Hezbollah operative, with plotting attacks on Jewish community centers and a synagogue. The protest, part of the 'Nakba 78' demonstrations, drew about 500 people to Washington Square Park, where chants of 'globalize the intifada' and calls for Israel's dismantlement were heard. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the alleged terror plot, stating, 'Antisemitism, violent extremism, and terrorism have no place in our city.'
Protest Details and Symbolism
Demonstrators displayed Palestinian flags, pre-printed signs, and banners demanding Israel's replacement with a state called Palestine. One protester wore a flag of Hamas’ military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, featuring a masked fighter and religious text. Another carried imagery of Abu Obaida, a Hamas military spokesman killed by Israeli forces.
Official Response and Context
Mayor Mamdani’s condemnation came shortly before the protest began, emphasizing the city’s stance against extremism. The protest coincided with federal charges against Al-Saadi, accused of ties to Kataib Hezbollah, an Iraq-based militant group. The demonstration was organized by well-funded leftist and Islamist groups, according to reports.
Broader Implications
The protest reflects ongoing tensions over Israel’s existence and Palestinian statehood. While some demonstrators called for peaceful resistance, others invoked militant rhetoric, raising concerns about extremist influence. The display of Hamas and Hezbollah symbols—designated terrorist organizations by the U.S.—has drawn scrutiny from officials and advocacy groups.