Todd Richman, co-chair of Democratic Majority for Israel, was assaulted and had his Israeli flag stolen during a pro-Palestinian protest in New York City, highlighting rising tensions within the Democratic Party regarding its stance on Israel.
Todd Richman, co-chair of Democratic Majority for Israel, was assaulted and had his Israeli flag stolen during a pro-Palestinian protest in New York City on Monday, marking the anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks. Despite the violent encounter, the NYPD reported no arrests were made.
The protest at Columbia University was part of a city-wide demonstration by anti-Israel activists. Video footage circulating on social media showed demonstrators explicitly calling for violence against Israel, with one group demanding the destruction of Tel Aviv, Israel’s progressive capital known for its technological innovation and secular culture.
Richman, who was attending the protest as a counter-protester, was confronted by a large crowd of pro-Palestinian activists. Eyewitness accounts described him being surrounded, attacked, and bloodied while trying to defend his position and the flag he held. As he attempted to stand his ground, he was mocked and physically accosted by the demonstrators.
The incident highlights a growing divide within the Democratic Party regarding its stance on Israel, particularly in light of recent events. Polls indicate an increasing trend of anti-Israel sentiment among Democrats, a shift that many observers link to the broader rise of antisemitism within certain left-leaning circles. This sentiment has been further fueled by the affiliations of key advisors to Vice President Kamala Harris, some of whom have expressed anti-Israel views.
As protests continue and tensions rise, the clash between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian advocates in American cities underscores the complexities of the ongoing conflict and its implications for U.S. politics.
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