Edited by: Fern Sidman

In a significant demonstration of anti-Israel animus, hundreds of New York City public school students walked out of their schools on Friday afternoon to stage a pro-Palestinian protest. According to the information provided in a New York Post report on Friday, the protest, held at the Department of Education headquarters at the historic Tweed Courthouse in Lower Manhattan, was promoted by several radical teacher groups and drew attention to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Resource for supporting NYC students. Parents are encouraged to take part & share. Free Palestine!!! 🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸https://t.co/qENoBynYao pic.twitter.com/4q1AcPATYc

— NYC Educators For Palestine (@nycedpalestine) May 30, 2024

Starting around 2:30 p.m., students from various high schools across the city gathered, waving signs that called for a cease-fire in Gaza and condemned Israel’s military actions following the October 7 terror attack as “genocide,” as was reported by The Post.  The demonstration was marked by hate filled  speeches and anti-Israel chants, reflecting the seething resentment of Israel held by the young participants.

The walkout was organized by a coalition of groups including Teachers Unite, NYC Educators for Palestine, the Palestine Youth Movement, Al-Awda NY, Movement of MORE Rank-&-File Educators, and Desis Rising Up and Moving, as per the information contained in The Post report. These organizations, known for their strident anti-Israel agenda, provided a protest toolkit to the students, that was reviewed by The New York Post.

📍New York City: Thousands of New York City high school students walked out of class today, with hundreds rallying outside the headquarters of the Department of Education to demand an end to the Zionist genocide and a liberated Palestine pic.twitter.com/ryV3x66whK

— Palestinian Youth Movement (@palyouthmvmt) May 31, 2024

This toolkit provided detailed instructions on how to execute a walkout, offering tips to students on organizing their peers and advising teachers on their civil engagement rights, The Post reported.  In typical Marxist fashion, the information sheet emphasized the importance of collective action and provided a roadmap for similar demonstrations.

“I’m fighting for humanity, I don’t care what they do,” one student from Stuyvesant High School told the Post, expressing her indifference to potential disciplinary actions for participating in the walkout. “I took an absent day,” she added in her comments to The Post, indicating her willingness to face the consequences for her actions.

Despite the organized nature of the protest, the main leaders remained unclear. Even among the participants, there was uncertainty about who was directing the event. Indicated in The Post report was that this decentralized organization style is often characteristic of grassroots movements, where the collective voice is prioritized over individual leadership.

Students from several prominent high schools were represented at the protest. In addition to Stuyvesant High School, about 50 to 100 students from LaGuardia High School and an unknown number from Brooklyn Technical High School joined the demonstration, as was noted in the Post report. Police estimated that by 3:30 p.m., the crowd had swelled to approximately 200 participants. Among them was a group of about 20 to 30 students from Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn. In addition, approximately 60 students from Susan E. Wagner High School on Staten Island also joined the walkout.

The Post report indicated that the protest aimed to protect anti-Israel students and teachers from “unjust administrative retaliation and suspension.” In an online statement, Teachers Unite emphasized the importance of safeguarding the rights of those who speak out against Israel, framing the walkout as a necessary action to ensure their safety and freedom of expression.

Joining the students outside the Tweed Courthouse were educators and adult protesters, all united under the banner of solidarity with Palestine. The report in the Post added that the demonstrators carried signs calling for a cease-fire in Gaza and labeling Israel’s military operations as “genocide.”

Teachers Unite and its partners also used this platform to call for the city to redirect funding from policing to educational initiatives, specifically advocating for the incorporation of Palestinian history into the school curriculum, as per the information in The Post report. They argue that a more comprehensive understanding of global history and contemporary issues is essential for fostering informed and engaged citizens.

The protest at the Tweed Courthouse culminated in a rally and march scheduled for 3 p.m., as outlined in the leaflet distributed ahead of the event. Despite attempts by Department of Education Chancellor David Banks to discourage the protest, the turnout reflected a significant level of support among students and educators. “I’m a big believer in student voice and kids standing up for the things that they believe in … I don’t think you need to have continued walkouts to do that,” Banks stated during a press briefing on Thursday, according to The Post report. His remarks, however, did little to deter the determined young activists.

The involvement of radical teacher groups in promoting the walkout has sparked debate. Critics argue that educators should maintain a neutral stance and avoid influencing students’ political activities. However, supporters contend that teachers have a responsibility to encourage critical thinking and civic engagement, especially on pressing global issues.

Brooklyn Museum Besieged by Anti-Israel Protesters in Dramatic Demonstration

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In a dramatic and unprecedented turn of events, a large group of anti-Israel protesters breached the Brooklyn Museum on Friday, establishing an encampment inside and scaling the building to unfurl a massive banner declaring the war in Gaza as “genocide” according to information provided in a New York Post report that appeared on Friday.  The protest, spearheaded by the vehemently anti-Israel group “Within Our Lifetime,” drew nearly 1,000 participants, highlighting the intense divisions surrounding the ongoing conflict.

Watch: Brooklyn Museum area on Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn. A violent pro Hamas protest has escalated into mayhem with Jews being bullied, & intimidated, and cops assaulted. Outrageous & unacceptable. pic.twitter.com/DvXePGY33A

— Chaskel Bennett (@ChaskelBennett) May 31, 2024

The protest began with a vanguard of activists who climbed the museum’s exterior and rappelled down inside the building, according to police sources. This audacious act set the stage for hundreds more who surrounded the museum, located adjacent to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, the Post report said. Video footage posted on social media shows protesters hopping over metal fence barriers, chanting “Free free Palestine,” and waving Palestinian flags as they entered the museum grounds.

On the roof, a group of protesters draped a giant banner reading “Free Palestine  – Divest From Genocide” over the front of the building, making a bold visual statement that could be seen from the surrounding area, as per the information contained in The Post report. The banner and the occupation of the museum were intended to draw attention to the protesters’ demands for the institution to disclose and divest from what they describe as the “US-Israeli genocide.”

BREAKING: Hundreds of pro-Palestine protesters have taken over the Brooklyn Museum. They reportedly broke through barricades and assaulted staff.pic.twitter.com/Dbmb3O6PbK

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) May 31, 2024

The protest at the Brooklyn Museum was meticulously organized by “Within Our Lifetime,” an anti-Israel group that had called on its supporters to “flood the Brooklyn Museum for Gaza.” The Post report indicated that an online flier for the protest stated, “Activists are de-occupying the museum until they disclose and divest from the US-Israeli genocide,” signaling their intent to maintain their presence until their demands were addressed.

The scale and intensity of the demonstration were significant, with approximately 800 people gathering outside the museum. The protestors’ actions were part of a broader movement that has seen numerous anti-Israel demonstrations across New York City in recent months. As was reported by The Post, this particular event followed closely on the heels of a city-wide walkout by hundreds of New York public school students, who demonstrated at the Department of Education headquarters in Lower Manhattan earlier in the day.

Police sources indicated that an unknown number of protesters were arrested during the museum occupation, though specifics were not immediately available, according to the Post report. The NYPD’s response to the situation included heightened security measures and efforts to manage the large and rancorous mob.

The Brooklyn Museum, a cultural institution known for its extensive art collections and educational programs, became an unexpected focal point for the protesters’ message. Noted in The Post report was that the institution has not yet issued a public response to the incident or the demands of the protesters.

isk

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In light of recent tensions and a potential elevated risk of disruption by pro-Hamas protesters, the New York Police Department (NYPD) is ramping up security measures for the upcoming Israel Day Parade in Manhattan that is scheduled to take place on Sunday, according to a New York Post report that appeared on Friday.  This decision follows an internal memo warning of possible threats to the celebration, which comes in the wake of the brutal October 7 massacre by Hamas and subsequent anti-Israel protests across the city.

The Israel Day Parade, a significant annual event celebrating the heritage and culture of Israel, will proceed down Fifth Avenue from 56th Street to 74th Street. The Post report indicated that despite the heightened security concerns, officials have assured the public that there are no specific or credible threats currently being tracked for the parade.

On Friday afternoon, the Post reported that a seething mob of anti-Israel protesters busted inside the Brooklyn Museum, where they set up an encampment, made their way to the roof and draped a banner from the side of the building declaring the war in Gaza “genocide.” The Post also reported that the intruders — who were the vanguard of a massive demonstration nearly 1,000 people strong — scaled the building and rappelled down inside of the art museum with climbing, police sources said.

At a Friday briefing, city officials emphasized the importance of vigilance given the current climate. The Post reported that New York City Mayor Eric Adams highlighted the context, stating, “This is the first major large Jewish event since October 7th, and we are extremely conscious of the over 3,000 protests that took place in our city since that day. Many of them were orderly, but there have been a few that did not follow proper procedures.” The mayor’s comments reflect the city’s awareness of the potential for disruptions amidst ongoing tensions.

NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence & Counterterrorism Rebecca Weiner also addressed the unique challenges posed this year, noting, “It would be hard to argue that the circumstances around this event this year are not different from years past,” as detailed in The Post report. Her statement draws attention to the increased caution being exercised by the NYPD in light of recent events.

The parade, a significant event for New York City’s Jewish community, will see an increased NYPD presence, including specialized units such as bike teams, aviation, K-9, and transit officers. Commissioner Edward Caban highlighted the comprehensive nature of the security measures in place.

In practical terms, the security measures at the parade will be more robust than in previous years. NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey explained that the approach will be “a little bit more increased” from last year, while ensuring that the measures remain non-intrusive for New Yorkers. “It’s a scaled-down version of what we do on New Year’s Eve, Fourth of July, J’Ouvert celebrations,” Maddrey told The Post, comparing the enhanced security to other major city events where significant precautions are taken.

The decision to boost security is part of a broader effort to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the Israel Day Parade amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions. The NYPD’s proactive stance reflects a commitment to safeguarding participants and spectators while maintaining the celebratory spirit of the event, as was noted in The Post report.

This year’s Israel Day Parade is not just a cultural celebration but also a moment of resilience and solidarity for the Jewish community in New York City. The added security measures, while a response to potential risks, are also a testament to the city’s determination to protect its diverse communities and uphold the tradition of the parade.

“It’s all about safety for the communities, participants, and spectators. So we ask everybody to come out, come enjoy themselves,” Maddrey shared with The Post. He emphasized that while the NYPD respects the right to protest, any acts of violence or discord will not be tolerated and will be addressed promptly.

Spectators will have access to the parade route through five designated points: 61st Street, 63rd Street, 66th Street, 70th Street, and 73rd Street. The report in The Post indicated that these entry points will be monitored by school safety agents who will conduct wanding, and counterterrorism personnel will be on site to ensure an added layer of security.

The theme for this year’s parade, “Bring Them Home Now!”, draws attention to the more than 120 hostages still held in Hamas captivity in Gaza since the brutal October 7 attack in which 1200 Israelis and others were brutally massacred the Post report affirmed. The organizing group, the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, aims to highlight this issue through the parade’s message.

“This parade… is an affirmation of our love and pride, unwavering pride in our Jewish identity, our Jewish heritage, our community, our unwavering support for Israel and for the immediate release of the hostages that they are returned home back to their loved ones and their families,” said Mark Treyger, CEO of the council, at a briefing on Friday, according to The Post report.

He continued, “It is a testament to the city that we are. New York is a city for all people, including the vibrant Jewish community that helped positively contribute to New York and to American rights.”

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In a groundbreaking legal milestone, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has achieved what no other prosecutor in American history has done: securing a conviction against a former U.S. president. According to a report in The New York Post, on Thursday, Bragg expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the case against Donald J. Trump, who was found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records.

Trump has been convicted of falsifying company documents, a case stemming from allegations that he orchestrated a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. This payment, facilitated by Trump’s former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen, aimed to silence Daniels’ claims of an affair with Trump during the crucial lead-up to the 2016 presidential election, according to the Post report.

The prosecution, led by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, represents a significant escalation in the legal scrutiny surrounding Trump and his business dealings.

‘The defendant, Donald J Trump is guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a scheme to corrupt the 2016 election’

DA Alvin Bragg makes a statement on the conviction of Donald Trump, calling the former President a defendant ‘like no other in history’. pic.twitter.com/DE8Ofz5fze

— GB News (@GBNEWS) May 30, 2024

Standing alongside his dedicated team, Bragg emphasized the significance of the jury’s verdict and underscored the integrity and thoroughness of the judicial process. “Donald J. Trump has been convicted of 34 counts of falsifying business records,” Bragg announced, his tone resolute and his stance firm, The Post report observed.  He took a moment to acknowledge the hard work and diligence of the jurors, describing them as “12 everyday New Yorkers” who were “careful and attentive” throughout the trial.

“This type of white-collar prosecution is core to what we do at the Manhattan District Attorney’s office,” Bragg stated, at the press conference on Thursday. The Post report indicated that he took pride in the thorough investigation and prosecution that led to the conviction, reflecting on the importance of adherence to the facts and the law.

When pressed about potential sentencing, Bragg remained non-committal regarding whether he would seek jail time for Trump, who faces a maximum of four years in prison for each charge, the Post report said.  At the very least, Trump could be placed on probation, a decision that remains pending as the legal proceedings continue.

“I did my job. Our job is to follow the facts and the law without fear or favor and that’s exactly what we did here,” Bragg boasted.

The trial has not been without its controversies, with Trump and his supporters alleging that the prosecution was politically motivated, aimed at derailing his potential 2024 presidential bid. The report in the Post noted that despite these accusations, Bragg maintained a silence on the matter. When asked if he had a response to Trump’s criticisms, Bragg succinctly replied, “I do not.”

“While this defendant may be unlike any other in American history, we arrived at this trial and ultimately this verdict in the same manner as every other case that comes through the courtroom doors — by following the facts, and the law, and doing so without fear or favor,” Bragg asserted.

In April 2023, Bragg made headlines by bringing forth this unprecedented criminal case against Trump. The case built on investigations initiated by Bragg’s predecessor, Cyrus Vance Jr., and it represented a comprehensive effort to hold Trump accountable for alleged financial misconduct, as per the information contained in The Post report. Michael Cohen, once a loyal ally of Trump, became the prosecution’s star witness, providing crucial testimony about the hush money payment and its cover-up.

The conviction is not Bragg’s first encounter with Trump-related legal issues. In 2022, his office successfully prosecuted the Trump Organization on charges of orchestrating a 15-year tax fraud scheme. As detailed in The Post report, this case revealed how the company’s longtime Chief Financial Officer, Allen Weisselberg, admitted to evading taxes on company perks such as a luxury car and a rent-free apartment. Although Trump was not personally charged in that case, the conviction of his organization set a significant precedent.

Bragg’s investigation into Trump’s business practices extended beyond the hush money payment. He inherited a probe from Vance into whether Trump had misrepresented the values of his real estate properties. Despite internal pressures, Bragg decided not to pursue charges in this particular matter, a decision that stirred controversy within the district attorney’s office, the Post report indicated. This choice illustrated the complex considerations and high stakes involved in prosecuting a former president.

Bragg’s legal battles with Trump date back to his tenure as New York State’s Chief Deputy Attorney General from 2017 to 2018. During this period, Bragg played a pivotal role in the lawsuit that led to the dissolution of the Donald J. Trump Foundation. The information in the Post report said that the foundation, which was found to have engaged in a pattern of illegal conduct, was ordered to pay $2 million in damages. This experience added to Bragg’s understanding of Trump’s business practices and provided a foundation for his later prosecutorial efforts.

The crux of the indictment centered on the accusation that Trump and his associates engaged in a scheme to subvert the truth by misclassifying these hush money payments as legitimate legal expenses. The Post report indicated that the grand jury was presented with evidence suggesting that these payments were, in reality, bribes intended to prevent potentially damaging stories from surfacing and influencing the outcome of the election.

Michael Cohen, who had already been convicted for perjury and other crimes, emerged as the prosecution’s star witness. Despite his tarnished credibility, Cohen’s testimony was pivotal. He confessed to having altered financial records to facilitate the creation of shell companies, which were then used to channel payments to Daniels and others, the Post report said. This manipulation of records, according to the indictment, was part of a broader effort to hide the true nature of the transactions and shield Trump from public scrutiny.

Michael Cohen’s involvement added a layer of complexity to the trial. As Trump’s former personal lawyer and fixer, Cohen had intimate knowledge of the inner workings of Trump’s business and personal dealings. The Post observed that his fall from grace, marked by a conviction for lying to Congress and other charges, had transformed him into a controversial yet crucial figure in the prosecution’s case.

Cohen testified that his previous lies under oath were made to protect Trump, revealing a deep entanglement of personal loyalty and legal misconduct. His admission of creating shell companies to manage the payoff to Daniels was a significant revelation. This not only called attention to the lengths to which Trump’s inner circle allegedly went to conceal the payments but also highlighted Cohen’s direct involvement in the illicit activities.

Legal experts and political analysts weighed in on the implications of the conviction. Some viewed it as a long-overdue accountability measure for a figure who had often seemed impervious to legal repercussions. Others saw it as a politically motivated attack designed to discredit a former president who remained influential within his party.