New York City Mayor Eric Adams said on Sunday that police were investigating a series of incidents that have erupted from clashing pro-Palestinian protests and pro-Israeli counter-protests.
Demonstrations have taken place in recent days during a visit to New York by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has pressed for an intensification of US ally Israel's war in the Gaza Strip against Hamas.
Hate has no place in New York City. pic.twitter.com/8wlliBFjMx
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) April 27, 2025
"The NYPD is investigating a series of incidents stemming from clashing protests on Thursday that began when a group of anti-Israel protesters surrounded the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters - a Jewish place of worship - in Brooklyn," Adams said on social media.
"Initial reports indicate that one female protester was isolated from her group, harassed by counter-protesters and suffered injuries. In another incident, a second woman was surrounded and subjected to vile threatening by counter-protesters," he added.
'Hate has no place' in New York City
A clip from the incident had nearly 9 million views on X. Adams said police were working to identify those related to this assault, and one person was arrested. He added, "hate has no place" in New York City.
Rights advocates have raised concerns about rising Islamophobia, anti-Arab bias, and antisemitism during Israel's war following the October 7 massacre by Hamas terrorists.
Ben-Gvir also faced protests during a recent visit to Yale University and on Sunday, when protesters and counter-protesters clashed near a New York City synagogue where he was expected to speak. His talk was subsequently canceled, the New York Times reported.