(TheProudRepublic.com) – On what should’ve been a festive Christmas Eve at Washington Square Park in New York City, a time-honored Christmas caroling tradition was interrupted and all but ruined by pro-Palestinian protesters.
The protesters, part of a far-left violent movement calling for Palestinian liberation, circled the iconic Big Apple park with their cars, blaring music and honking horns in a show of solidarity with those who are at war with Israel.
The scene was one of stark contrasts, as the holiday revelers gathered to sing their favorite carols were met with a backdrop of political demonstration.
Notably, one protester stood out by climbing atop a massive SUV equipped with monster car wheels, proudly waving the Palestinian flag.
This act of defiance was part of a larger effort by the protesters, who had spent the day driving in car caravans across the tri-state area, making their presence known in various locations.
The pro-Palestinian group, Within Our Lifetime, documented their protest on social media, captioning an Instagram story of the Washington Square protest with the words, “No celebration, ’til liberation.” This statement encapsulated their message and their intent to disrupt the usual peace of the holiday celebrations.
However, the Christmas carolers, a diverse group united in the spirit of the holidays, were not easily deterred. Ed Cooper, a 76-year-old participant, expressed his determination to keep the festive spirit alive despite the interruptions.
“They disrupted, we sang louder,” he told The Post. His attitude reflected a resolve to transform the negative into a positive, a sentiment often associated with the holiday season. He further added, “We weren’t going to let them make this their night. Yeah, it was annoying, but Christmas for me is about making the negative into a positive.”
Another caroler, Shannon from the West Village, expressed her bewilderment and annoyance at the protesters’ tactics.
“Carolers of all races and persuasions are caroling together in the spirit of the holidays, and these jerks are driving around with music blasting out of massive speakers and honking their horns incessantly as a tactic to what – annoy the everloving s–t out of people whose support they’re trying to win? I really don’t understand it,” she said.
Her frustration was evident as she questioned the effectiveness and rationale behind the protesters’ approach, especially considering their potential aim of garnering support for their cause.
Shannon, reflecting on the generational differences in approaches to activism, remarked, “I’m fairly young, and apparently a lot of people my age think killing Christmas for a cause is badass. I find it misguided and counterproductive. I don’t think anybody who came out tonight is now more likely to come out for Palestine.”
This incident in Washington Square Park is emblematic of the tensions that can arise when the celebratory atmosphere of a public event collides with political demonstrations. The carolers’ resilience in the face of disruption underscores a broader narrative about the enduring spirit of community and tradition, even amidst political and social discord.
The protests in the city have been ongoing, particularly intensified by the events of Oct. 7, when a terror attack by Hamas against Israel led to a significant military response in Gaza.
