Anti-Israel Protesters Disrupt Black Friday Shopping on Fifth Avenue

On Friday, a group of anti-Israel activists made a loud statement against Black Friday by interrupting shoppers at a luxury store on Fifth Avenue in New York City, resulting in the arrest of four individuals during this hectic shopping day.

Around 70 demonstrators, many wearing keffiyeh, entered the Zara store shortly after 12:30 p.m., chanting phrases like, “They’re funding genocide,” while blowing whistles and waving Palestinian flags. Shoppers were reportedly startled as police quickly moved to clear the protesters from the fashion retailer, as captured in video footage.

One participant asserted, “Zara is a genocidal corporation,” while another proclaimed, “Liberate Palestine.”

At least one protester carried a sign that read, “While you shop, bombs are falling.”

The New York Police Department (NYPD) reported that during the protest, four people were arrested. Three received citations, and a 29-year-old identified as Vel West Arthur from Jersey City was charged with trespassing. Video evidence showed at least two individuals limping as they were escorted away by officers.

As the protest continued down Fifth Avenue, demonstrators created a ruckus, beating drums, waving flags, and holding large signs. One particularly bright orange sign declared, “Israel is killing children!” Another sign encouraged bystanders to “think before you buy,” which seemed to resonate with some onlookers.

In a tense moment, a frustrated bystander was recorded yelling an obscenity at the protesters before walking away.

As they moved on, the protesters gathered outside Apple and Microsoft stores. A loud crowd was filmed outside the Microsoft Store, shouting, “Microsoft, you can’t hide. We charge you with genocide.”

The police confirmed that the protest concluded by early evening, and there was no ongoing investigation following the incident.