Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators brought a swathe of Midtown Manhattan to a grinding halt on Thursday evening, transforming the opulent plaza of Trump Tower into a stage for a powerful political spectacle. The protest, organised by a coalition of activist groups, took direct aim at US policies and funding of Israel's military operations in Gaza.
In a highly theatrical display, protesters laid out a long black cloth directly on Fifth Avenue, directly outside the former president's residence, meticulously setting it with empty plates, silverware, and wine glasses. This 'Billionaire's Banquet' was designed as a stark visual metaphor, accusing American elites and policymakers of 'feasting' while Gaza suffers.
Chaos and Chants on Fifth Avenue
The demonstration quickly escalated, with participants linking arms and blocking one of the city's most famous thoroughfares. The air was thick with chants of "Ceasefire now!" and "Not another nickel, not another dime, no more money for Israel's crime!". Police officers, donning neon traffic vests, formed cordons around the building's entrance as the crowd swelled.
Protesters held signs that read "Trump: Blood on Your Hands" and "Biden Complicit in Genocide," highlighting a deep-seated anger that transcends partisan lines and targets the US political establishment's unwavering support for Israel.
A Message to the Political and Financial Elite
The choice of location was deeply symbolic. Trump Tower, a gilded monument to wealth and power, represented the precise intersection of politics and capital that activists blame for perpetuating the conflict. Organisers stated the event was a direct challenge to the "billionaire class" they hold responsible for funding and influencing foreign policy.
"We are here to disrupt the comfortable lives of the powerful," one organiser was heard proclaiming through a megaphone. "While they dine in their towers, children in Gaza are starving. This blood money must stop."
The New York Police Department reported a significant police presence was required to manage the event. While the protest remained largely non-violent, the deliberate obstruction of traffic led to multiple arrests for disorderly conduct. The demonstration is part of a wider wave of activism that has seen pro-Palestinian rallies occur regularly in major cities across the United States, applying continuous pressure on the Biden administration to demand an immediate ceasefire and halt military aid.
