U.N. Protests and Address
Pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups plan competing rallies outside the United Nations ahead of Netanyahu's address.
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Key Points
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At Wednesday’s rally, speakers criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and questioned whether he could represent Jewish New Yorkers who disagree with him on Israel; ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt also condemned what he called “deliberate passivity in the face of antisemitism.”
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The rally featured survivors and people directly affected by antisemitic violence, including Devorah Halberstam, whose son Ari was murdered in a 1994 terror attack, and Nova festival survivor Shalev Biton, who shared the stage with Younes Alkarnawi, the Bedouin man who saved him.
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The UJA-Federation specifically urged world leaders to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, a request not detailed in the summary.
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Beyond Gaza and Iran, Israel was also described as being engaged in active conflicts with Lebanon, Syria and Yemen.
Competing rallies erupted outside the United Nations on Thursday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the General Assembly. News12 reported that hundreds of protesters blocked First Avenue ahead of the speech, led by Jewish Voice for Peace, while pro-Israel groups rallied against rising global antisemitism. Netanyahu used his podium to directly confront NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, saying Netanyahu: "Mr. Mamdani, you tried to stop me from coming here. You tried to silence me... Israel did not commit genocide. Israel prevented genocide!"
The tensions reflected a wider split over how to discuss Israel's military actions. A Wednesday rally organized by UJA-Federation and the Jewish Community Relations Council drew speakers who urged world leaders to adopt stronger protections for Jewish institutions and action against online hate. ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt condemned what he called "deliberate passivity in the face of antisemitism," while organizers distinguished legitimate criticism of Israel from antisemitic hatred.
Netanyahu Clashes With New York's Mayor Over Gaza War
Mayor Zohran Mamdani had previously called Netanyahu a Mayor "war criminal" and the "architect of a horrific genocide." But city officials later acknowledged they lacked legal authority to arrest foreign leaders during UN diplomatic visits. Mamdani defended First Amendment rights, saying Mayor: "To New Yorkers, I have never encouraged them to protest. What I have always told them is that they have the right to do so in this city." The clash highlighted deep divisions over Israel's military campaign in Gaza and beyond.
Jewish Community Mobilizes Against Surging Antisemitism Reports
The Wednesday rally featured survivors of antisemitic violence sharing stages with activists. Devorah Halberstam, whose son Ari was murdered in a 1994 terror attack, spoke alongside Nova festival survivor Shalev Biton and Younes Alkarnawi, the Bedouin man who rescued him. Religion News Service reported that roughly 50% of all hate crimes recorded in New York City this year targeted Jewish residents. UJA-Federation CEO Eric S. Goldstein stated: "World leaders are gathered in our city... but we know they are not addressing the rampant proliferation of antisemitism across the world."
Dozens of UN Diplomats Walk Out During Netanyahu's Speech
Mass walkouts by international delegates underscored Israel's growing diplomatic isolation during the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly. The demonstrations reflected global divisions over Israel's conduct in Gaza and its active conflicts involving Iran, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. Former Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren noted that Netanyahu's direct confrontation with Mamdani served domestic political goals ahead of Israeli elections, functioning as a "campaign speech" targeting wavering right-wing voters back home.
Competing Definitions of Antisemitism Drive International Debate
Pro-Israel advocates and major Jewish organizations—including the ADL, American Jewish Committee, Union for Reform Judaism, and StandWithUs—jointly demanded stronger security for institutions and adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. This definition includes collective blame, demonization, or denial of Jews' and Israel's right to exist. Pro-Palestinian activists and leftist groups frame Netanyahu's UN appearance differently, characterizing it as an effort to justify military aggression they describe as disproportionate to civilian costs in Gaza and the broader region.
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