NYC Al-Quds Rally Features Chants Supporting Hamas and IRGC

Several hundred protesters gathered in Times Square on Friday for an Al-Quds Day rally that included chants supporting Hamas and Hezbollah, praise for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and calls of “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.”Friday • 5 PM • Manhattan

The Anti-Defamation League said today it was alarmed by the demonstrations, which took place in several U.S. cities. “We are deeply troubled by the dangerous rhetoric at this year's Quds Day rallies across the U.S., where protesters have openly expressed support for terror groups and Hamas's October 7, 2023 massacre, and shared antisemitic rhetoric and conspiracy theories,” the organization said.

Speakers at the New York rally framed the event as part of the broader struggle between Iran and the United States and Israel. “This Al Quds Day holds a special significance as the United States and its puppet Zionist regime wage full-out war against the Islamic Republic of Iran. We proclaim our support for the Islamic Republic,” one speaker said. “Iran is the central pillar in the struggle against US imperialism and Zionism,” he continued.

Speakers also praised figures linked to terrorist groups and Iran’s military network. “We renew our pledge to the path of the martyrs,” one speaker said. Another speaker declared, “We honor the military prowess, the unbreakable spirit of our beloved commanders, martyr Yahya Sinwar, the lion of Gaza, Hassan Nasrallah, and all of the valiant commanders of the IRGC.”

The rally also featured chants accusing Jews and Israel supporters of harming children. At one point a speaker directed the crowd toward a small pro-Israel counter-protest across the street and led chants of “Stop eating babies, stop raping children.”

The accusation echoes the medieval antisemitic blood libel, which falsely claims Jews kill Christian children for ritual purposes and historically triggered violent attacks against Jewish communities.

Other demonstrators voiced support for terrorist organizations. Some participants shouted, “We support Hamas here,” and “Death to America, death to Israel” in Farsi. Chants of “Khaybar, Khaybar, O Jews,” referencing a historical Muslim battle against a Jewish tribe, were also heard during the march.

Flags and signs displayed at the rally included images of Iranian ayatollahs and symbols associated with Hezbollah and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist group. Several signs read “Victory to Palestinian and Iranian resistance” and “Free America from Israel,” while others repeated a slogan once used by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, describing Israel as “weaker than a spider’s web.”

Another speaker described “Zionists” as “parasites that have taken over the host’s body,” alleging they had infiltrated American political institutions and media.

Around a dozen pro-Israel demonstrators, including Jewish participants and allies, gathered across the street during the rally, chanting “USA” and shouting “terrorists” toward the crowd.

The rallies were held as part of Al-Quds Day, an annual event established in 1979 by Iranian leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and held on the last Friday of Ramadan. The demonstrations are intended to mobilize opposition to Israel and promote the Palestinian cause.

While rallies proceeded in several American cities including New York, Chicago, and Houston, Britain banned its annual Al-Quds march in London this year. British authorities cited extreme tensions and the risk of serious public disorder.

In the United States, demonstrations like the Times Square rally are generally allowed under First Amendment protections for political speech. Authorities typically intervene only when speech directly incites imminent violence or when protests become disorderly.